MOSCOW, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Russia hailed on Monday the formation of a new Iraqi government and said the new government should help achieve national unity in the country.

    "This is undoubtedly an important event in Iraq's political life. It will end the transition period of forming the constitutional bodies of power," Foreign Ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said in a statement.

    Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki submitted his cabinet line-up on Saturday with three key portfolios -- interior, defense and national security affairs -- unfilled, which was approved by Iraqi parliament at a special session on the same day.

    The new government is the first full-term government after the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003.

    "We hope the new government will be able to work out a national program to take the country out of the long-running crisis, restore law, order and security, boost economic growth and improve living standards of the population within the tightest deadlines," Kamynin said.

    "We hope the Iraqi authorities will lead the country along the path of national unity, express the interests of all Iraqis and gain wide support in society," he said.

    Russia is ready for close cooperation with the new Iraqi authorities in strengthening traditionally friendly relations, Kamynin said. Enditem