Iraqi MPs elect new president amid threat of rocket fire

By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA
Associated Press

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi lawmakers elected a new president in a key step toward ending a year-long political vacuum. Parliament voted for Abdul Latif Rashid, a former minister, as president on Thursday. The session was threatened after nine rockets targeted the Green Zone, the seat of the country’s government.  The rockets fell near the parliament building. Iraqi security officials say at least five people were wounded in the attack, including three civilians. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. The attacks are not the first to strike ahead of a planned parliament session. On Sept. 28, three rockets targeted the Green Zone as lawmakers voted to renew their confidence in the parliament speaker.