Zaidi and Maliki discuss completing the cabinet, four months on

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and State of Law leader Nouri al-Maliki discussed completing the government lineup on Saturday, with nine ministries still unfilled since May.

The two also covered political issues and the general situation in Iraq, and the need to complete the lineup “in a way that contributes to strengthening government performance and implementing the executive program,” Maliki’s office said.

Parliament approved 14 ministers on May 14 and rejected nominees for planning, culture, construction and housing, higher education and interior, postponing votes on defence, labour, migration and youth and sports. Zaidi told Coordination Framework leaders on Aug. 11 that completion was close, and said this week that talks would conclude and the nominations go to parliament for a vote.

State of Law lawmaker Duha al-Qasir said last week the negotiations could run past Sept. 30, with the Hasm Alliance yet to submit names for defence and no candidates put forward for labour and social affairs. Her coalition sent nominees for interior and higher education in late August. Zaidi and Hikma Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim agreed on Aug. 28 on the need to complete the government.