11.   Foreign Minister Abdul-Karim al-Iryani, who is currently on a state visit to Ethiopia, will retain the foreign ministry portfolio, the television said.

12.   He has held several ministry portfolios in previous governments, including industry, education and defense.

13.   His party holds the foreign, defense, transportation and industry ministry portfolios.

14.   It did not however, say if Velayati will keep the foreign ministry portfolio.

15.   It could also lead to fingers being pointed at Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who until last month held the home ministry portfolio and was in charge of police.

16.   He held that post for four years before getting the finance ministry portfolio.

17.   He went on to hold the education, defence and foreign ministry portfolios.

18.   An experienced politician, Abdullah had previously held the education, defence and foreign ministry portfolios.

19.   Berlusconi could be obliged to hold the foreign ministry portfolio for months, a source close to the prime minister said Sunday.

20.   But a question mark hangs over the justice ministry portfolio.