(4 Jan 2011) HEADLINE: Iraqi lawmakers approve new government
CAPTION: Iraqi lawmakers have unanimously approved a new government to be headed by incumbent Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. (Dec. 21)
AFTER NINE MONTHS OF DEADLOCK... A NEW GOVERNMENT IN IRAQ.
LAWMAKERS THERE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED A NEW GOVERNMENT HEADED BY INCUMBENT SHIITE PRIME MINISTER NOURI AL-MALIKI.
THE LONG-AWAITED VOTE ON THE NEW GOVERNMENT ENDS MONTHS OF UNCERTAINLY AFTER AN INCONCLUSIVE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION IN MARCH.
LAWMAKERS APPROVED A TOTAL OF 29 MINISTERS INCLUDING AL-MALIKI TO FORM THE NEW GOVERNMENT.
THE REMAINDER OF THE 42-MEMBER CABINET IS MADE UP OF ACTING MINISTERS FOR NOW.
IRAQI WOMEN LAWMAKERS HAVE BEEN PROTESTING IN PARLIAMENT AGAINST THE NEW, MOSTLY MALE CABINET.
APTN STORY NUMBER: 669425
1. Iraq's prime minister Nouri al-Maliki, his deputies and ministers attending cabinet meeting
2. Various of Iraqi ministers attending cabinet meeting
3. Al-Maliki and his deputies during cabinet meeting
4. SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Nouri al-Maliki, Iraqi Prime Minister:
"Difficult tasks require exceptional effort. Governments in stable countries may not need what we need in Iraq and what was needed in the previous phase may not be needed that much in this phase. The previous phase was difficult, a phase of big challenges, but we are still in need of an exceptional effort to develop all the sectors that need to be developed, like industry, agriculture, culture, oil, electricity, foreign relations and everything in Iraq needs to develop so it will rise to the level of nation-building that deserves to compete and be present within the regional and the international community."
5. Al-Maliki's deputies Hussein al-Shahristani and Saleh al-Mutleq during cabinet meeting
6. SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Nouri al-Maliki, Iraqi prime minister:
"I'm looking forward to seeing my ministers taking their posts that fast because what is required from us, from our brothers, the ministers, is to present their agenda, what they want to do. It is natural that the agenda is not only written by the minister but with the advice and cooperation of his counsellor at his ministry, so it will be an actuality that will be achieved and so that the efforts will not be wasted in imaginary projects."
7. Iraqi ministers during meeting of cabinet
8. End of cabinet meeting
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