Former Iraqi Premier Adel Abdul Mahdi congratulated Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi on his election as Iraq's Prime Minister-designate.

Iran Press/Middle East: In a telephone conversation on Saturday evening, Abdul Mahdi announced his readiness to work with Allawi.

Meanwhile,  Iraqi politician and cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in a tweet urged Allawi to preserve Iraq's sovereignty and independence in order to maintain its position.

Muqtada al-Sadr also urged Allawi not to succumb to external pressure.

In a video message, Allawi announced that the Iraqi president has formally nominated him as prime minister-designate to form a new government.

Allawi has pledged to use his best efforts to hold early elections.

Allawi has been a member of the Iraqi parliament since 2003.

He also served as Iraqi Communications Minister under the government of Nouri al-Maliki.

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