Zaidi briefs Coordination Framework on Barrack talks, cabinet vacancies

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi briefed leaders of the Coordination Framework, the Shiite ruling coalition, on his recent meeting with U.S. presidential envoy Tom Barrack during the alliance’s regular meeting Wednesday in Baghdad, a statement after the gathering said.

The meeting, held at the office of Humam Hamoudi, head of the Islamic Supreme Council, focused on political, security and economic developments. Participants heard al-Zaidi present “the latest government procedures and files under follow-up” and “the results and outcomes of the visit of the American envoy Tom Barrack.” The Framework stressed “the importance of protecting the supreme national interests and strengthening Iraq’s foreign relations in a manner that serves its stability and sovereignty.”

The leaders also discussed completing Zaidi’s cabinet, affirming “the importance of expediting this entitlement in a way that enhances the efficiency of government performance.” Zaidi was approved as prime minister on May 14 after months of negotiations within the Coordination Framework, but nine ministries remain without permanent ministers after parliament failed to agree on a number of nominees during the confidence vote.