Iraq's al-Abadi to trim cabinet portfolios

Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Haider Al-Abadi on Friday announced plan to trim the cabinet portfolios with a view to reducing government spending.
He has started consultations with political parties on the set-up of the cabinet which, he said, aims to run the state institutions according to a new strategy "geared to suit the new stage." Al-Abadi affirmed commitment to the instructions of the supreme religious leadership to combat corruption, involve the political blocs in the cabinet formation and ensure the national unity of the country, according to a statement by his office.
On the platform of the upcoming cabinet, he said it prioritizes dossiers such as anti-graft combat, ending financial and administrative mismanagement at the state institutions, and addressing the challenges in the security, political, economic and foreign policy affairs.
"The new cabinet will be based on efficiency, integrity and involvement of various political blocs," he said, affirming resolve to end the political, economic and security turmoil in the country.
Earlier today, Representative of the Supreme Religious Authority in Najaf Ahmad Al-Safi called on the political parties represented at the House of Representatives to live up to their national responsibilities and work with Al-Abadi in forming an effective government.
In his Friday sermon, Al-Safi urged avoiding the mistakes of the past and respecting the rights of all the sons of Iraq.
Al-Ababi's office invited representatives of the political parties to negotiations on the portfolios and nominees for them.