Iraq Fills 10 Government Posts, Security Jobs Stay Vacant

The Iraqi parliament has filled three vice-presidential and seven ministerial posts, but did not vote on the country's sensitive security portfolios -- defense, interior, and national security.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has been the acting minister for those three posts, due to disagreements over who should fill them.

Among the ministers appointed today were those who will handle the electricity, trade, and women's affairs portfolios.

Adil Abd al-Mahdi and Khodir al-Khaozai, both Shi'a, and Tariq al-Hashimi, a Sunni, were chosen as vice presidents.

The parliament is expected to vote on a fourth deputy, an ethnic Turkoman, next week.

compiled from agency reports