Zaidi and Hakim call for cabinet to be completed, 103 days on

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Hikma Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim agreed on the need to complete the government, 103 days after Zaidi took office with nine ministries unfilled.

The two discussed the situation in the country and the challenges facing Iraq, and stressed unifying positions and cooperation between political forces, the prime minister’s media office said. They agreed the government should be completed so it can begin implementing its programme and development plans.

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, without a timetable.

State of Law lawmaker Duha al-Qasir said this week the negotiations could run past Sept. 30, when the coalition leaves, with the Hasm Alliance yet to submit names for defence and no candidates put forward for labour and social affairs. Her coalition sent its nominees for interior and higher education last week.