Iran on Monday hailed Iraq's completion of work on the codification of draft constitution, the official IRNA news agency reported.

"We hope continuation of political process in Iraq will lead to referendum of the constitution and establishment of the government according to the schedule," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi was quoted as saying.

"Undoubtedly, establishment of stability and security in Iraq will promote economy in that country and serve the nation's interest," Asefi added.

On Sunday, Iraqi leaders presented the final draft of constitution to parliament, ending weeks of tortuous negotiation, without winning the endorsement of representatives of the disgruntled Sunni Arab minority.

The draft constitution was firstly presented to the Iraqi parliament on Aug. 22.

Iran has been keeping a close watch on its western neighbor since the downfall of former President Saddam Hussein in 2003 during the US-led war on Iraq.

Source: Xinhua