4.34 p.m.
Parliament's session will continue Tuesday
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3.48 p.m.
The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan says it has taken no side.
“We and the KDP have remained neutral and joined no groups,” PUK politburo member and spokesperson Saadi Pira told Rudaw.
The KDP and PUK went to Baghdad united, saying they are seeking greater rights for the people of the Kurdistan Region and not government positions.
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3:35 p.m.
Parliament has reconvened after its recess
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2:48 p.m.
Abadi names himself head of Hashd al-Shaabi
According to Iraqi PM's media office, Abadi visited the Hashd al-Shaabi commission HQ to ‘check conditions,’ while exalting the ‘heroism’ of Hashd al-Shaabi fighters.
He stressed he is willing to guarantee the rights of the Hashd.
Abadi then declared himself head of the Hashd al-Shaabi commission.
Iraq Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi addresses the parliament, September 3, 2018. Photo: Sabah Arar / AFP
2:34 p.m.
Parliament in recess
Iraq's parliamentary session was suspended for one hour after speaker pro tem Mohammed Ali Zaini, requested for the largest bloc to present itself.
Zaini, as the oldest MP, is presiding over the first session of parliament until the next Speaker of Parliament is chosen by private, secret vote.
Hadi al-Amiri's Fatih, Nouri al-Maliki's State of Law Coalition walked out, as did the KDP-PUK bloc.
Former prime minister and head of the State of Law coalition arriving in parliament for Monday's session, September 3, 2018. Photo: Sabah Arar / AFP
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12:28 p.m.
Jabouri says despite being limited, previous parliament upheld democracy
Salim al-Jabouri argued that previous parliament had owned up to its constitutional powers through the monitoring and legislative actions.
"Our third term established unique parliamentary norms and democratic norms," said Jabouri.
Parliamentary committees had worked and presented "unprecedented results" from their reports, according to Jabouri. The oversight work of the parliament has become its "unique theme.”
He added that the legal system of Iraq has minimized the role of the legislature.
"Despite these hurdles and others, there have been achievements no neutral [individual] can deny to belittle,” said Jabouri.
"I have confidence in your ability in overcoming this phase and helping the country find safe harbor," said Jabouri, adding he had faith Baghdad could be the "house of peace and intellect" again and to again become a regional leader.
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12:28 p.m.
Abadi urges security institutions, government, parliament to be united
Haider al-Abadi emphasized that no militias are above the rule of law and he urged parliament to cooperate with the future government.
"At first, I would like to congratulate the winning MPs for gaining the confidence of the people. I call on the new Council of Representatives to cooperate with the future government, to be formed, Inshallah, later by this Council and to work on finalizing priority legislations."
Abadi blamed divisions and sectarian entrenchment on the ISIS conflict.
"The next government will be handed a united, liberated country, with security, social stability, and basis to improve the economic conditions and meet the expectations of our people in a better life,” said Abadi.
He hinted that no militias are above the rule of law.
"There is no other alternative to the imposition of state authority and rule of law, and no other banner shall rule supreme over the banner of one Iraq, and there is no room for arms outside state control," said Abadi.
Issues of all Iraqis, from the north to the south, can be resolved without discriminating against anyone, he explained.
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12:18 p.m.
President Masum urges separation of powers
Incumbent Iraqi President Fuad Masum emphasized the need for the three branches of the government to be respectful for a strong democracy.
"A sense of pride and confidence consumes me as I talk to you in the opening of the fourth legislative term of the Council of Representatives..." said Masum. "In this phase filled with hope in the history of our people, whereby Iraq regains its proper position realistically with confidence regionally and internationally."
Iraqis need sustainable and long-term growth, for job creation for the youth, and for social stability and peace, according to Masum
Masum urged different branches of the state, judiciary, legislature and the executive to respect each other and be separate based on the constitutions.
In addition to Masum, who didn't run for parliament, several incumbent leaders are present: Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, Speaker Salim al-Jabouri, and Vice President Nouri al-Maliki.
"Serious tasks are upon the shoulders of your Council," said Masum.
President Fuad Masoum addresses parliament, September 3, 2018. Photo: Sabah Arar / AFP
11:05 a.m.
Officials, diplomats, media witness convening of new Iraqi parliament
BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Fourth Council of Representatives is convening on Monday at 11 a.m.
Candidates who won seats in the parliamentary election on May 12 are being sworn in.
In the first session, which is presided over by the eldest member, the new MPs shall select a speaker and deputies.
The speaker will then choose Iraq's next president.
Two main blocs have emerged. One is led by incumbent Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, the other by his predecessor incumbent Vice President Nouri al-Maliki. The former leads Nasr, while the later leads State of Law.
Both have announced they have the largest bloc, although both are likely to still curry the favor of some of the country's Sunni and Kurdistani parties, which remain uncommitted.
This is a developing story...
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