Salam al-Zobaii

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Salam al-Zoba'ii says the security situation in his country is complex, but it is not impossible to solve.

In an interview with VOA's Kurdish Service, Zoba'ii said the new Iraqi government will not hide behind U.S.-led coalition forces and will confront and combat the terrorists.

Zoba'ii said political leaders continue to look for independent and neutral persons to serve as defense and interior ministers. He said the process of naming the ministers has not stagnated completely, but it is being delayed too long because he said different groups raise reservations and objections to various candidates.

The Iraqi deputy prime minister is currently the acting defense minister. He said he expects a decision in the next few days on filling the posts.