Iraq PM may face problems over ministerial changes

[maddezmom]

Source: Reuters

BAGHDAD, May 10 (Reuters) - Iraq's Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki may face problems in parliament over candidates he submitted to replace six ministers who quit in protest at his refusal to set a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

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"It may not be a smooth vote," said a lawmaker from the ruling Shi'ite Alliance, citing problems with Sadr's political movement, which has kept its 30 seats in the bloc despite quitting the government.

Maliki promised to replace the Sadrists -- who did not hold vital security or economic portfolios -- with independents and technocrats. But the names given to members of parliament on Wednesday raised eyebrows, some Shi'ite officials said.

"They are all Shi'ites. Most of them are not independent. This will anger the Sadrists," said a senior Shi'ite Alliance official who is not a Sadrist and who declined to be identified.

Read more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/KAR053073.htm