WASHINGTON, May 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush hailed on Saturday the formation of Iraq's new government and pledged U.S. support for the government.

    "Iraqis now have a fully constitutional government, marking theend of a democratic transitional process in Iraq that has been both difficult and inspiring," Bush said in a statement.

    "This broadly representative unity government offers a new opportunity for progress in Iraq," Bush said.

    While acknowledging that the new government still faces a period of challenge, Bush pledged that the United States will stand with the new Iraqi government.

    "The United States and freedom-loving nations around the world will stand with Iraq as it takes its place among the world's democracies and as an ally in the war on terror," Bush said.

    Earlier Saturday, the Iraqi parliament approved the new 37-member cabinet headed by Shiite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki at aspecial session held in Baghdad, although three key posts-- interior, defense and national security affairs, remained unfilled.Enditem