Kurd leader chosen as new Iraq president

Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani has been chosen by the new Iraq parliament to become the country's first democratically elected president.

The country's former president, Ghazi al Yawar, a Sunni Arab and Shia Adel Abdel Mahdi, were named as Mr Talabani's vice presidents.

The announcement comes over two months after the national elections on January 30, the first elections in Iraq, following the collapse of former dictator Saddam Hussein's regime. It follows weeks of deadlock between the Kurdish, Shia and Sunni parties.

The three men were finally elected by a majority of the 275-set parliament, reportedly receiving 227 votes.

It was reported that Saddam Hussein, as well as other members of his regime, had watched the announcement on television in jail.

It is believed that a new Iraq government will be in place by next week. However, there have been reports of on-going rows between the Shias and Kurds over various positions in the new administration, in particular the control of the oil ministry.

The Kurds, whose community is in the minority in Iraq and who suffered the most under Saddam's regime, are reportedly keen to allocate positions to Sunni Muslims, who had largely boycotted the election, with the aim of establishing a united government.

Mr Talabani and his two vice presidents are now expected to choose a Prime Minister. Shia politician Ibrahim Jaafari has been reported as the most likely candidate.

(KMcA/SP)