Iraq lawmakers urge quick picks for key ministries

ABOVE: The Foreign Minister of Iraq’s Kurdish region said the Kurds are willing to cooperate with the newly-formed government in Baghdad

Iraqi lawmakers are urging the country’s new prime minister to quickly assign the critical posts of defence and interior minister which will spearhead domestic efforts to combat the violent Sunni militant advance.

Get breaking National news

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Addressing lawmakers late Monday, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi requested an additional week for the selection of these positions.

READ MORE: Obama to outline strategy to defeat Islamic State

Sunni lawmaker Hamid al-Mutlaq expressed Tuesday his concern over the vacant posts, calling on al-Abadi’s government to “prove its credibility and good intentions.” Salim al-Muslimawi, a Shiite lawmaker from Babil province, said any further delay in naming a defence and interior minister risks making the government appear weak and divided.

The United States launched airstrikes in Iraq on Aug. 8 in hopes of boosting the waning efforts of Iraqi and Kurdish forces fighting militants with the Islamic State group.