Coordination Framework links settlement of vacant ministries in Al-Zaydi government to Washington visit

The Shiite Coordination Framework in Iraq announced the postponement of settling the vacant ministries in the government of Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaydi until his return from an official visit scheduled to the United States in mid-July.

MP Amer al-Fayez, a leader in the Coordination Framework, said that the House of Representatives will resume its work with the start of the new legislative term, with its first session scheduled for next Monday, but the vote on the new ministers will be postponed until after al-Zaydi's return from Washington.

Al-Fayez clarified that al-Zaydi will submit the names of the candidates for the vacant ministerial portfolios after completing political consultations, noting that disagreements over some names have prevented the completion of the government formation so far.

"The vote on the government cabinet will not take place before the prime minister's visit to the United States, but after his return, due to ongoing disagreements and obstacles regarding some nominees' names," al-Fayez added.

Al-Fayez added that several political blocs are still working to complete their nominations for the vacant ministries, confirming that the current government includes nine vacant ministries, with no discussions about creating or abolishing other ministries.

These developments coincide with the upcoming visit of al-Zaydi to Washington in mid-July, in response to an invitation from US President Joe Biden, during which the two sides are expected to discuss economic and investment files, most notably the release of a frozen Iraqi financial guarantee held by the United States worth about $30 billion. The visit will also address security and political files concerning future cooperation between the two countries, according to available information.