Iraq cabinet approves PM resignation

Iraq's cabinet approved Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi's resignation, his office said in a statement on Saturday. but parliament has to withdraw its support for the prime minister at a session on Sunday, making it official. Abdul Mahdi's government, including himself, will stay on in a caretaker capacity following the lawmakers' vote until a new government can be chosen, the prime minister said later on Saturday in a televised cabinet meeting. He added that President Barham Salih would then need to name a new premier for approval by parliament. Iraqi protesters have welcomed the resignation but say it is not enough. They demand the overhaul of a political system they say is corrupt and keeps them in poverty and without opportunity.