Iraq Constitution Agreement On The Rocks...

New York Times Richard A. Oppel Jr. and Abdul Razzaq Al-Saiedi September 10, 2006 at 09:33 PM
READ MORE: Iraq

An agreement struck 11 months ago by Shiite and Kurdish leaders to win Sunni Arab support for a new constitution is fraying, causing concern among some political leaders that it could jeopardize Iraq's fragile governing coalition.

The dispute peaked Sunday as a large Shiite faction continued to fight for quick approval of legislation giving provinces the authority to create autonomous states, which some powerful Shiites are seeking for southern Iraq. Sunni lawmakers and others who oppose the proposal refused to attend Parliament on Sunday, and warned that the plan could severely undermine the country's unity government.

READ WHOLE STORY


Iraqi parliament speaker suspends legislative session:

Iraq Iraq's parliament speaker on Sunday suspended the start of a legislative session after two major Sunni blocs boycotted the proceedings because of a dispute over a draft bill submitted by the main Shiite grouping, a Sunni lawmaker said.