Iraqi president names deputy speaker new PM

Iraq's new president on Monday snubbed the incumbent Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and nominated the deputy parliament speaker to form the new government.

Iraqis display placards bearing a picture of embattled Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki during a demonstration in Baghdad, Iraq, August 11.
Iraqis display placards bearing a picture of embattled Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki during a demonstration in Baghdad, Iraq, August 11.

In a televised address Fouad Massoum gave Haider al-Ibadi, who was selected by a coalition of Shiite political parties, 30 days to form a new government and present it to parliament for approval.

Al-Ibadi is a British-educated lawmaker with a background in electrical engineering and a member of al-Maliki's Islamic Dawa party. He has been closely involved in previous governments.

AP