2LT International News

The UN in Iraq has expressed disappointment at the make-up of the new Iraqi cabinet, after 14 ministers were sworn in on Wednesday.

Eight posts still remain to be filled including the crucial Defense, Justice and Interior ministries.

Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq, Jan Kubis, says he is “disappointed” at the lack of female representation in the new Iraqi government following Wednesday’s session which saw 14 of the twenty two ministers ratified.

The Iraqi parliament agreed on the 14 nominations by Adel Abdul-Mahdi’s new government,  but could not come to an agreement on the other 8 portfolios.

Abdul-Mahdi will have until the first week of November to complete his cabinet, which will require negotiations with various factions in the country.

Kubis said he welcomed the partial formation of Iraq’s new Council of Ministers but voiced deep concern at the lack of female representation among ministers announced so far, a statement by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) published on Thursday said.

“I reiterate that the new Government should work hard to meet the aspirations and expectations of the Iraqi people” and work “in full respect of a Constitution that guarantees the rights and equality of all Iraqi citizens,” the UN official said.

Kubis noted that “there are excellent, well qualified and experienced females active in the political life [of Iraq], and ignoring their potential is to miss important opportunities for Iraq.”

Parliamentary Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi said that MPs will reconvene on Nov. 6 to vote on the remaining ministries.

Kurds are expected to occupy four ministerial posts in the new cabinet. So far, only two have taken their oaths, with the other two being among the yet unchosen eight ministers.