UPDATE -Abdul-Mahdi officially assumes Iraqi premiership

*UPDATES WITH NEW IRAQI PM ASSUMING DUTY

By Ibrahim Saleh

BAGHDAD (AA) – Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi officially assumed his responsibilities on Thursday after lawmakers approved his government program and most of his proposed cabinet nominees.

In a ceremony, outgoing premier Haider al-Abadi formally handed over authority to the new prime minister.

Abdul-Mahdi was officially sworn in late Wednesday -- along with 14 members of his cabinet -- after winning a parliamentary vote of confidence.

In a statement issued Thursday, Abdul-Mahdi vowed that members of his incoming cabinet would work hard to implement his “ambitious and detailed” government program.

On Wednesday night, 14 of Abdul-Mahdi’s 22 cabinet nominees -- including those for the petroleum, finance, foreign affairs and labor portfolios -- were granted confidence by lawmakers.

Parliament is set to convene again on Nov. 6 when MPs will vote on the prime minister’s eight remaining nominees.

Sources close to the government-formation process have told Anadolu Agency that Abdul-Mahdi is under considerable pressure from influential political blocs seeking greater representation in his cabinet lineup.