(dpa) - South Korea's parliament Friday approved the appointment of veteran diplomat Han Seung Soo as prime minister of newly inaugurated President Lee Myung Bak.
The liberal-controlled legislature, which has blocked many of Lee's nominees, endorsed Han by a vote of 174 to 94.
Conservative Lee, sworn into office Monday, has been unable to form a cabinet with the parliament confirming only 11 of 15 minister nominees and demanding the withdrawal of Health Minister-designate Kim Soung Yee.
Han, 72, a special envoy on climate change for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, has also served as ambassador to the US, foreign minister, and president of the UN General Assembly.
The post of prime minister is largely ceremonial with little decision-making power.