The second Iraqi parliamentary session has ended without designating a speaker or making arrangements for the formation of a government.

The second session of the Iraqi parliament was mostly held behind closed doors after a nearly three-hour delay. It was eventually adjourned until this weekend.

Salama al-Khafaji, a member of the parliament, said the speaker would likely be chosen on Sunday.

"So at the last we reach the point that we finish this meeting for today and give another opportunity in next Sunday that they will choose the one who represent them and they will come back."

The presidency is expected to go to Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani and the prime minister's post to Shiite politician Ibrahim al-Jaafari.

Nearly two months after Iraq's January 30 elections, negotiations to form a new government have stalled over Cabinet posts and how to include the Sunni minority.

Interim President Ghazi al-Yawer and interim Minister of Interior Falah al-Naqib walked out of the session before it ended.

Despite the chaotic nature of the parliament meeting, US president George W Bush hailed the session in Washington.

"Today, Iraqis took another step on the road to a free society when the assembly held its second meeting. We expect a new government will be chosen soon and that the assembly will vote to confirm it."

(CRI.com March 30, 2005)