Iraq's prime minister-designate Mustafa al-Kadhimi on Wednesday was sworn in as the country's new prime minister after weeks of political negotiations.
In a session attended by 266 lawmakers late Wednesday, the lawmakers approved 15 ministers proposed by al-Kadhimi, including Othman al-Ghanmi as interior minister and Gomaa Enad as defence minister. The ministers of finance, housing, health, and education were also approved, among others.
The lawmakers rejected five ministers -- ministers of trade, justice, culture, agriculture and migration, and the ministries of oil and foreign affairs also remain vacant.
"It is a difficult stage. The challenges that Iraq faces are great ... but they are not greater than our ability to address them," al-Kadhimi said in his address to the parliament before the voting.
"This government came in response to a social, economic and political crisis to be a solution government, not a crisis government," al-Kadhimi added.
After al-Kadhimi's swearing-in, he vowed to "work with the ministerial team to win the trust and support of the people. I hope that all political parties will unite to face the difficult challenges."
Al-Kadhimi, 53, has headed the Iraqi Intelligence Service since June 2016.
On April 9, Iraqi President Barham Salih named al-Kadhimi as prime minister-designate to replace Adnan al-Zurfi, and asked him to form a new government within 30 days.
