Hakim and Halbousi stress need for ‘competent’ ministers

BAGHDAD — Hikma Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim and Taqaddum Party leader Mohammed al-Halbousi met Saturday to discuss completing Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet, calling for ministers who “possess competence, integrity and good conduct” and urging political forces to prioritize national interest over factional considerations.

Both sides said Iraq had “moved beyond the difficult stage of political deadlock” and called for resolving outstanding issues through dialogue, according to a statement from Hakim’s media office.

Parliament approved 13 ministers Thursday during a session attended by 266 lawmakers, including Fuad Hussein as foreign minister, Falih al-Sari as finance minister, Khalid Shwani as justice minister and Bassem Mohammed Khudair as oil minister. Several nominees failed to secure confidence, including candidates for planning, higher education, interior and construction and housing. Voting on defense, labor, migration and youth and sports ministries, along with deputy prime minister positions, was postponed pending further political agreements.