World Bulletin / News Desk

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi on Monday called on parliament to convene to vote on a proposed government of technocrats.

In a televised statement, al-Abadi vowed to pursue his reforms with a view to tackling widespread corruption in the country.

“The cabinet reshuffle is part of a package for comprehensive reforms,” al-Abadi said, going on to urge parliament “to convene immediately to help contribute in finding solutions to the challenges facing” Iraq.

Iraq has been embroiled in a deepening political crisis since last month, when supporters of firebrand Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr staged a number of protests outside Baghdad’s Green Zone to pressure al-Abadi to unveil a government of technocrats untainted by corruption or sectarian affiliations.

Last week, al-Abadi presented a modified list of candidates for parliamentary approval, but lawmakers have so far failed to vote on the proposed lineup.

The crisis escalated further last week when MPs refused to allow Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri to chair an assembly session, accusing him of failing to summon al-Abadi to answer corruption allegations.