TEHRAN, Mar. 17 (MNA) – Iraqi President Barham Salih has appointed Adnan al-Zurfi as the country's new prime minister-designate as the latest effort to resolve a months-long political crisis.

Al-Zurfi heads the Nasr parliamentary grouping of former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. He has also served as the Najaf governor.

Reports indicate that Salih has held a meeting with al-Zurfi and Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi today in Baghdad.

His appointment on Tuesday came more than two weeks after former Prime Minister-designate Mohammed Allawi withdrew his candidacy for the post, accusing political parties of obstructing him.

MNA/PR