Iraq's parliament approved three new ministers Tuesday (December 18th) but broke up before voting on the five remaining posts, leaving the deadlock over several key ministries unresolved, AFP reported.
The brief session brings to 17 the number of filled posts in Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's 22-ministry cabinet. The other 14 were approved by parliament in late October.
New Higher Education Minister Qusay al-Suheil, 53, is a member of former premier Nuri al-Maliki's State of Law bloc.
Planning Minister Nuri al-Dulaimi, 51, is an Iraqi Islamic Party member, while Minister of Culture Abdulamir al-Hamdani, a 51-year-old archaeologist, is backed by Iran-backed militia Asaib Ahl al-Haq.
After the speedy vote, legislators adjourned their session to Thursday afternoon.
The five empty posts include the powerful ministers of defence and interior, seen as the primary stumbling blocks to a full cabinet.
