Shi'ite and Kurdish political leaders in Iraq say the new government could be formed within the next week, as marathon negotiations on its makeup continue.

Jawad al-Maliky of the Shi'ite-dominated United Iraqi Alliance told reporters Friday the National Assembly will likely meet again next Thursday and vote on the proposed president, prime minster and cabinet.

But some other politicians have given a slightly longer time frame, saying the parliament will not reconvene until next Saturday.

The new interim assembly was sworn in Wednesday, but the government was not named because Shi'ite and Kurdish politicians have not been able to compromise on several significant issues.

Some Iraqis have expressed frustration over the prolonged talks, after millions defied insurgents and risked attack to vote in the January 30th election.