Iraqi president says new cabinet should be formed on proficiency bases
Iraqi President Barham Saleh
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi President Barham Saleh has stressed the need for forming the new government as soon as possible and picking up the new ministers on a basis of proficiency and professionalism.
Saleh made the remarks Saturday during a meeting with former prime minister Haider al-Abadi, Al-Mirbad radio station quoted the Iraqi presidency as saying in a statement.
The meeting tackled the latest political developments in Iraq, especially the formation of the new government, the statement read.
During the meeting, Saleh called on Iraqi parties to support the new government’s platform in order to provide better services for citizens and give a push to the country’s economy.
Abadi, for his part, stressed the need for concerted efforts to reach a mechanism for the formation of the new cabin as soon as possible.
The parliament was scheduled to vote Tuesday on the remaining vacant ministerial portfolios but the session was delayed due to political disagreements over nominees.
Last month, the parliament approved 14 ministers of Adel Abdul Mahdi’s government, allowing him to become prime minister, but the vital defense and interior portfolios have not been filled yet along with six others.
The new government will be tasked with rebuilding much of the country after a devastating war against Islamic State and solving acute economic problems, which promoted angry protesters to stage rallies nationwide, particularly in Basra, over power and water shortages.