Iraqi parliament approves new ministers

The Iraqi parliament approved seven new ministers on Saturday, a move the State Department said will help in the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISI).

The parliament signed off on the critical security posts, which include new leaders for the defense, interior, and finance ministries, the State Department said in a statement.

{mosads}“Today’s vote is another important step in the long-term campaign to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and restore stability to Iraq,” spokeswoman for the State Department Jen Psaki said, using an alternative name for the terror group.

The new ministers will serve under Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s, marking the first time since 2010 that Iraq will have a complete cabinet.

“The United States looks forward to further strengthening our partnership with Prime Minister Abadi, his new cabinet, and the Iraqi people,” Psaki said. 

“Our commitment to Iraq is long-term, and this new cabinet, representing all communities inside Iraq, is a key step in overcoming the many challenges confronting Iraq,” she added.

Vice President Joe Biden spoke with Abadi Saturday morning, according to a White House press release.

Biden congratulated the prime minister on the approval of the new cabinet members and the two discussed “work ahead, including steps to rebuild Iraq’s security forces and enlist all of Iraq’s communities in the fight against [ISIS],” the White House said.

The parliament’s approval of the ministers comes after Abadi delayed in naming nominees, raising questions over his ability to rise above the sectarian fighting.