Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Nuri al-Maliki presented a request to theParliament to allow him to introduce the formation of the proposed government for a vote next Monday. The outgoing Minister of State for Governorates Affairs Safa al-Din al-Maliki said al Maliki finished the negotiations for the new line-up within the constitutional period allowed by the law.
It is likely that al Maliki will keep the security portfolios until he reaches an agreement with the major political blocs.
Iraqi sources said it is expected that the Iraqia List led by former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi will have ten ministerial posts in the new cabinet.
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani formally designated al Maliki on November 26 to form a new government after eight months of political negotiations following the legislative elections.
