BAGHDAD - Iraqi political parties reached an agreement on Sunday on the bylaws for the functioning of the next government, Iraqi President Jalal TalabaniÂ’s office announced in a statement. The decision marks the second achievement in as many days from the contentious negotiating sessions to form a coalition government, nearly four months after a landmark national election. It followed the announcement Saturday of a compromise on IraqÂ’s security file.TalabaniÂ’s office said that a two-thirds cabinet majority would be required for any decisions on the national budget, financial agreements, contracts over 50 million dollars, border issues, security, high-ranking military promotions and questions concerning national sovereignty. Any issues involving the presence of US-led coalition forces in Iraq would also require a two-thirds cabinet majority.
The requirement for more than a simple majority dilutes the power of the dominant conservative Shiite bloc, which holds nearly half the seats in the 275-member parliament.
The parties also agreed that there would be a pair of deputy prime ministers charged with ensuring cabinet decisions get implemented. One of the deputy premiers will be in charge of the economy file, while the other will head be responsible for the countryÂ’s basic services, including electricity and water. Of the two, one will also supervise IraqÂ’s security file in tandem with the prime minister, according to the terms of SaturdayÂ’s deal.