Iraq formed its first democratically elected government in more than 50 years today, ending three months of political stalemate that has crippled efforts to tackle violence.
But Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari failed to name permanent ministers to five key portfolios, including oil and defence, and a top Sunni Muslim official criticised the new government as sectarian.
The 275-seat parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of the cabinet proposed by Mr Jaafari, ending a power vacuum that had dissipated the optimism created by the January 30 elections.
The government's formation coincided with the 68th birthday of former dictator Saddam Hussein, who is awaiting trial in a US-run jail on Baghdad's outskirts.
"The journey was full of blood, words, sweat and tears until this day, when our people gave you their trust to carry out this responsibility," Mr Jaafari told parliament ahead of the vote.
The cabinet, designed to accommodate Iraq's rival ethnic and sectarian groups, will consist of 31 ministers and four deputy prime ministers, as well as Mr Jaafari.
Most of the posts went to majority Shi'ite Muslims, who have gained power after decades of Sunni-led rule under Saddam. Kurds and Sunni Arabs were also strongly represented.
No permanent ministers were named for the oil, defence, electricity, industry and human rights portfolios, while two deputy prime minister posts were left vacant. Jaafari will be acting defence minister and Ahmad Chalabi acting oil minister.
Seven ministries went to women.