Global General

Iraqi parliament approves new government

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-12-21 21:41

Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (R) speaks during a joint news conference with Iraqi parliament speaker Osama al-Nujaifi in Baghdad December 20, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

BAGHDAD - The Iraqi parliament Tuesday approved the new cabinet submitted by Prime Minister-designate Nuri al-Maliki, ending more than nine months of political deadlock after the country's parliamentary elections.

Related readings:  UN lifts Iraq nuclear weapons sanctions  17 killed, 23 wounded in Iraq bombings  37 killed, 56 wounded in Iraq's hostage drama  Leaks reveal 'truth' on Iraq War

The parliament gave vote of confidence to Maliki as the new prime minister and acting minister for three security ministries, namely defense, interior and national security, until the political blocs reach a consensus on the positions.

The lawmakers then approved the three deputy prime minister posts, Roj Nuri Shawis, a Kurd, Hussien al-Shahristani, a Shiite and Salih al-Mutlak, a Sunni Arab.

The parliament also approved the remaining 35 ministers, despite several ministries currently headed by acting ministers waiting for Maliki to complete his mission of naming permanent minister during the coming days.

Later, Maliki and his cabinet took the oath of office.