Shi’ites name Iraqi premier

SHI’ITE lawmakers yesterday chose Ibrahim al-Jaafari to be Iraq’s new prime minister, taking a key step in forming a government nearly two months after national elections, officials said.

Mr al-Jaafari is assured the post because Shi'ites won the most parliament seats in the December 15 national elections. He won 64 votes in a caucus of Shi'ite legislators, officials said. There were two abstentions.

Parliament must yet choose the largely ceremonial position of president, who will then designate the alliance's choice as the new prime minister.