New Iraq govt approved

That completed a democratic process that began following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein’s regime.

In his first address, al Maliki told Parliament that he would make restoring stability and security the top priority of his new administration. He said he would ‘‘work fast’’ to improve and coordinate Iraqi forces so they can reduce attacks by insurgent groups and militias. He said he would set ‘‘an objective timetable to transfer the full security mission to Iraqi forces, ending the mission of the multinational forces.’’

But the challenge the new government will face was obvious when al Maliki was unable to make a final decision about the top three security portfolios: the Defense Ministry, which oversees the Iraqi army; the Interior Ministry, which is responsible for police; and the minister of state for national security.

Al Maliki, a Shi’ite, said he would be acting interior minister for now, and he made Salam Zikam al Zubaie, a Sunni Arab, the temporary defense minister. Deputy PM Barham Saleh, a Kurd, was made the acting minister of state for national security. Al Maliki hopes to fill all three of these portfolios with politicians who are independent and have no affiliation with any of Iraq’s militias.

A walkout today by some legislators showed how tough such efforts can be in Iraq. Before the Cabinet was approved and inaugurated, the legislators turned down a motion by Sunni Arab leader Saleh al Mutlaq to postpone the session. Al Mutlaq then walked out with about 10 other Sunni deputies. He had criticised the lack of a decision on the key defense, interior posts and complained that he was asked to give up his political position and rhetoric in return for three ministries: environment, women and national dialogue.