Iraq government talks stall as focus turns to early July

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Political negotiations in Iraq over nine vacant ministerial seats in Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani's government have yet to produce a final agreement, more than a month after the cabinet won a vote of confidence in parliament. The parties involved have continued contacts during the period, with public statements suggesting a positive tone, but conditions behind the scenes are reported to differ. Expectations of an extraordinary parliamentary session to address the issue remain only a possibility for now. According to the current outlook, attention has shifted to the start of July, when Iraq's legislative recess is due to end and the parliament is set to return to work. Officials are expected to take up the ministerial files once the new legislative term begins and to move forward with naming candidates for the empty portfolios. Contacts between the parties are reported to be continuing through different channels during the recess.