Iraq lawmakers confirm new government but key posts are left empty

The ministers of defence, justice and interior have yet to be named

The Iraqi parliament votes on the new Iraqi government, headed by Adel Abdul Mahdi in Baghdad. AFP

Iraq's parliament has confirmed Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi's new government while leaving key Cabinet posts unfilled.

The legislature voted in the early hours on Thursday to confirm 14 of Abdul-Mahdi's 22 Cabinet nominees, giving him the ministers he needs to convene his government.

But the body failed to vote on key appointments, including on ministers of defence, justice and interior. Those portfolios will be held by the prime minister until a later date.

Mr Abdul-Mahdi and the 14 confirmed ministers were sworn in immediately after the vote.

Mr Abdul-Mahdi is a former vice president who has previously served as ministers of oil and finance. He was named to the prime minister's his post October 3 and he had 30 days to form a new government or lose his appointment.

_______________

Read more:

Basra: almost 300,000 children at risk of waterborne diseases

Iraqi MPs debate late into the night proposed cabinet nominees

_______________