There is confusion over the selection of a new interim president for Iraq, with reports saying the 81-year-old ex-foreign minister, Adnan Pachachi, has declined the post.

The US wants Pachachi for the top post, but many council members favour the current leader, Ghazi Yawer.

Yawer has now accepted the post after Pachachi refused it, the BBC reports.

The interim president will head a new administration from 30 June.

Democratic elections are due to be held by next January.