BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraq's dominant Shiite bloc says it has reached a preliminary deal with minority Sunnis on sharing out the key posts in a national unity government although the details remained to be ironed out.
"We reached an agreement that the 'sovereign' posts would be distributed fairly," said Shiite politician Salam al-Maliki, the outgoing transport minister, after talks with Sunni leaders.
He was referring to the key defense, interior, foreign, oil and finance ministries.
"There is a consensus of views under which independent people should be nominated to the security ministries," the minister added Monday.
Prime minister designate Nuri Maliki had already said he intended to name independent MPs to the interior and defense ministries to avoid allegations of sectarianism.
Sunni politicians have accused forces under the command of the Shiite-led interior ministry in the outgoing government of taking part in revenge attacks against Sunni civilians for insurgent attacks.
The transport minister said Monday's talks had been aimed at reaching a "common position" and added that further talks would be needed to hammer out the details Tuesday.
The prime minister designate has said he expects to complete his cabinet line-up by May 10 after talks with Kurdish as well as Sunni Arab representatives.