Iraqi parliament moves toward filling nine vacant minister posts

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's parliament has entered the final stage of negotiations over the allocation of nine vacant ministerial portfolios, a lawmaker said on Sunday. Member of Parliament Dia Ali al-Zaidi said the government is determined to complete its cabinet lineup and that political parties have reached a tangible level of convergence, with nominees expected to be submitted to parliament for a vote of confidence. Haidar Fayli, head of the Feyli Kurds Bloc in parliament, said talks are continuing and that further political maturation is required on certain names and the distribution of portfolios. He indicated that finalizing the file in August appears difficult and that a decision could be postponed until September. Salah al-Dulaymi of the Azm Alliance said the coalition is seeking the Planning and Culture ministries as its electoral entitlement and wants the nominated candidates voted on shortly. Political analyst Ali al-Mutayri said the government has shown a will to refine its ministerial approach and implement its program. No further details on a timeline were immediately available.