Bumped ~ "The premier will also ask lawmakers to endorse his candidate for the planning ministry, and announce “his vision for economic reform in light of the demonstrations in Iraq for better services,” Shalah said, without identifying any of the nominees""Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki will name key security ministers tomorrow and announce economic measures in response to protests over living standards, a member of his parliamentary coalition said"
Wednesday March 9, 2011
Iraq Plans to Name Key Security, Planning Ministers Tomorrow
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki will name key security ministers tomorrow and announce economic measures in response to protests over living standards, a member of his parliamentary coalition said.
Al-Maliki will present his candidates for the defense, interior and national security ministries to parliament, Ali Shalah said in a telephone interview from Baghdad. The premier will also ask lawmakers to endorse his candidate for the planning ministry, and announce “his vision for economic reform in light of the demonstrations in Iraq for better services,” Shalah said, without identifying any of the nominees.
Al-Maliki had left key ministerial slots vacant when he formed his government in December because of disagreements among the country’s political groups. Before that, Iraqi leaders had been wrangling over a power-sharing formula for nine months following inconclusive parliamentary elections last March.
Tensions persist as Al-Maliki’s main political rival, former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, accused the premier of failing to uphold his vow to share power in the unity coalition. Allawi said March 3 that he no longer wants to head a National Strategic Policy Council, which was due to be created for him as part of the deal that led to the government’s formation. (Allawi says Iraq's Government and Democracy is a Joke ...)
Iraqis across the country have held street rallies in recent weeks calling for greater accountability from politicians and better services, and several people have died in clashes with security forces. Al-Maliki responded by redirecting $900 million from a jet-fighter program to increase food subsidies. The Cabinet also presented a bill to parliament to reduce government wages.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-09/iraq-plans-to-name-key-security-planning-ministers-tomorrow.html
