DHAKA: Iraq’s presidency issued a decree on Thursday for a parliament session on July 1, state TV said, starting the process of forming a new government amid an insurgency that threatens the country’s unity.

Iraq’s vice-president Khudair al-Khuzai, who is acting president and a close ally of prime minister Nouri al-Maliki, announced the session would be held.

Three months after elections, a chorus of Iraqi and international voices have called for the government formation process to be started, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1734 HRS, JUNE 26, 2014