Iraq PM Authorized to Complete Cabinet With Nine Ministries Still Vacant

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi politician Fahd al-Jubouri said the Coordination Framework granted Prime Minister Ali al-Zidi authority to continue negotiating with political forces to complete the government cabinet. The decision was reached during a meeting Tuesday, with the goal of finalizing remaining government files, Jubouri said. The meeting also addressed important economic files that would support the country's financial stability and strengthen the economic reform process, according to Jubouri. The Coordination Framework convened Tuesday at the office of Hikma Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim with Zidi's participation. The parties agreed the cabinet should be completed as soon as possible. Nine ministerial positions remain vacant in Zidi's government, including the Interior and Defense portfolios. Political parties are seeking consensus on these posts. The Iraqi Parliament approved Zidi as prime minister and 14 ministers on May 14, granting confidence to the government program. The parliament is currently in a legislative recess ending June 30.