WASHINGTON, April 28 (Xinhuanet) -- US President George W. Bush welcomed on Thursday the establishment of the Transitional Government of Iraq, and pledged to continue American support for building democracy in the country.

    "I join with all Americans in congratulating Iraq's new leadersand in wishing them well as they begin to serve their country in this new government," Bush said in a statement released by the White House.

    The new cabinet "will represent the unity and diversity of Iraqin the months ahead," Bush said, noting that the transitional government will face "important challenges" including training Iraq security forces to battle extremists and insurgents as well as providing basic services to Iraqi citizens.

    "The United States is confident that the new government will meet these challenges in the months ahead, and America will stand by Iraq, its leaders, and the Iraqi people as they continue their work to establish a stable, peaceful, and democratic Iraq," Bush said.

    Iraqi lawmakers approved on Thursday a list of 36-member new cabinet with two deputy premierships unnamed and five ministerial posts only filled temporarily.

    The incomplete lineup was approved by 180 votes in favor, out of a total of 185 votes cast in the 275-member parliament.

    The United States, which invaded Iraq in March 2003 to oust Saddam Hussein, has been offering its strong support for the new Iraqi government after the downfall of Saddam. It still has roughly 140,000 troops in the Arab country. Enditem