Iraq’s National Alliance rejects “non-efficient” ministers in new govt.

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: A member of Iraq‘s National Alliance, Khalid al-Assadi, has announced his Alliance’s rejection of the assignment of “non-efficient” persons in the new Iraqi cabinet, saying that such measures would delay the political process in the country. “The National Alliance has addressed calls for the winning blocs to present their candidates for different ministers’ posts on Saturday, demanding them to nominate efficient persons, who will manage their ministries successfully.” The National Alliance “rejects involving inefficient persons in the next cabinet, under political motives, as such measure will delay the political process,” al-Assadi noted. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was officially assigned by President Jalal Talabani to form the new cabinet last Thursday. Following his official assignment, he expressed gratitude for “choosing him for the formation of a government of national-partnership, through cooperation with Iraqi politicians and the people of Iraq.” Commenting on the proposed increase in the number of ministries in the proposed cabinet, Assadi said, “There are talks about the adding new ministries to the cabinet, such as a Ministry of Investment and another Ministry for Council-of-Ministers Affairs, but the proposal had not been agreed upon till now.” “The National Alliance wishes to to cut short the number of ministries, but it seems that the opposite will be happening,” al-Assadi added, noting that it is a possibility for some current ministers to retain their posts. SKH/SR 1