Zaidi, Zaidan discuss ‘completing the ministerial cabinet’

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi met Sunday with Supreme Judicial Council President Faeq Zaidan to discuss the country’s political situation and cabinet formation, according to a statement from the prime minister’s media office.

According to the statement, the meeting reviewed “the overall situation in the country” and discussed “completing the ministerial cabinet in a manner that supports the government in implementing its program comprehensively across all vital sectors.”

The two sides also stressed “the importance of coordination and cooperation between the executive and judicial authorities to strengthen stability and support the reform process,” the statement said.

Earlier in the day, State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki visited al-Zaidi, with both sides stressing the need for political cooperation to complete the government lineup — even as Maliki’s coalition continued to accuse parliament leadership of manipulating the confidence vote that approved the cabinet days earlier.

Parliament approved 14 ministers Thursday during a session attended by 266 lawmakers. Several nominees failed to secure confidence, including those 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.