May 20, 2006
Parliament Approves New Iraqi Government
Iraq's National Assembly in session (file photo) (epa)
Incoming Prime Minister Nuri Kamil al-Maliki, a Shi'a, said he will temporarily run Iraq's Interior Ministry. He named Deputy Prime Minister-designate Salam al-Zawba'i, a Sunni, as temporary defense minister.
Barham Salih, a Kurd, was named acting minister of national security affairs.
Some Sunni lawmakers walked out of parliament upon hearing that permanent security ministers would not be selected at the session.
Among other key posts, the assembly approved former deputy parliament speaker Husaynn al-Shahristani, a Shi'a, as oil minister. Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, a Kurd, will stay in his post.
Al-Maliki also highlighted 34 policy priorities for his government, focusing on security and the economy.
Forming the cabinet took months of negotiations between the country's main religious and ethnic groups following the December 15 parliamentary elections.
Today's special session took place as at least 24 Iraqis were killed in bomb attacks around the country.
(compiled from agency reports)
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