Halbousi, Hakim stress need to complete cabinet lineup

BAGHDAD — Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi and Al-Hikma Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim on Sunday called for completing the federal cabinet as several ministers yet to be approved upon.

According to a statement from the parliament speaker’s media office, al-Halbousi received al-Hakim in Baghdad and emphasized “the importance of expediting the completion of the ministerial cabinet,” the statement said.

The two sides also expressed “support” for the government in implementing its ministerial program, the statement added.

Ali Zaidi was approved as prime minister on May 14 after months of disputes within the Coordination Framework. Nine of the government’s 23 ministries remain unapproved after political parties failed to reach consensus during the confidence session. He took the constitutional oath on May 16.

Parliament rejected nominees for planning, culture, construction and housing, higher education and interior. Voting on defense, labor, migration and youth and sports ministries was postponed. The incomplete cabinet has become a focus of renewed political negotiations.