Iraqi lawmakers on Thursday approved a new government headed by businessman Ali al-Zaidi, ending months of political deadlock amid growing pressure from the United States to form a stable administration.
"The Council of Representatives votes to grant confidence to the government of Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi and its ministerial programme," the prime minister's media office said.
In Iraq, a government wins a confidence vote when parliament approves half plus one of its ministries.
Zaidi's government should include 23 ministers, but its line-up remains incomplete as key political parties continue to negotiate several portfolios.
The INA state news agency said that an "absolute majority" of MPs approved 14 ministerial nominations that were put to a vote.
