New Iraqi president takes office, government expected next week
Iraq's new president commenced his duties, and the designated prime minister will form his Cabinet next week.
Latif Rashid, a veteran political leader in the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) who was elected Oct. 13 as Iraq's new president, commenced his duties in Al-Salam Palace in Baghdad on Monday.
Rashid designated Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as prime minister on the same day of his election. Sudani is currently negotiating with political parties over the formation of a Cabinet. He has one month to do so and to get parliament's vote of confidence for both himself and his Cabinet.
