Iraq's Coordination Framework gives PM al-Zeydi authority to finalize cabinet

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Coordination Framework has authorized Prime Minister Ali al-Zeydi to complete his government cabinet, a political source said. Under the arrangement, political blocs will submit candidate names, while al-Zeydi will personally select ministers for vacant portfolios, including the Interior Ministry. During the meeting, participants also discussed integrating armed militias into the Popular Mobilization Forces and centralizing weapons under state control. Al-Zeydi presented a proposal to establish a Limestone Development Fund with an estimated capital of $250 billion. The fund would be initially financed with $10 billion from the Central Bank of Iraq, with Gulf states expected to participate through their companies. According to al-Zeydi, the fund aims to renew infrastructure and provide employment for young people. The cabinet lineup is expected to be finalized after al-Zeydi's visit to Washington and the end of the Iraqi parliament's legislative recess. The Coordination Framework had previously granted al-Zeydi broad decision-making authority to protect the country's higher interests at its 279th session on February 2.