Text Only
Search

 
Iraq Awaits Sunnis' Response on Draft Constitution

27 August 2005

President Jalal Talabani, left, is seen with Saleh al-Motlaq a Sunni member of the constitution drafting committee during a press conference
President Jalal Talabani, left, is seen with Saleh al-Motlaq a Sunni member of the constitution drafting committee during a press conference

Iraq's head of Parliament says Shi'ite Muslims and Kurds have agreed on a revised draft constitution after considering Sunni concerns, and are awaiting a response from leaders of the nation's Sunni Muslims.

Speaker Hajim al-Hassani said Saturday, a final amended proposal has been given to the Sunnis for their review, and is now ready to be presented to Parliament Sunday for approval.

Sunni leaders have shown no indication they will accept a charter that calls for plans for federalism, which would allow portions of Iraq to govern themselves. Instead of such autonomy, the Sunnis are demanding a strong central government.

President Bush recently spoke by telephone with a Shi'ite leader Abdul Aziz Hakim, and urged flexibility with regard to the Sunnis' demands.

Once agreement is reached on a final text of the constitution, Iraqis will be asked to approve it in a national referendum, currently scheduled for October 15.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

emailme.gif E-mail This Article
printerfriendly.gif Print Version

  Related Stories
Shi'ites Make Final Proposal to Sunnis on Iraq Constitution
Top US General: Sunni Political Involvement in Iraq Can Help Stop Insurgency
Thousands of Iraqis March in Support of Radical Cleric
 
  Top Story
Envoys Continue Negotiations at UN on Cessation of Gaza Fighting  Audio Clip Available

  More Stories
US Says it Supports Egyptian-French Gaza Cease-Fire Plan
Israel Warns Residents Along Gaza-Egypt Border of Air Strikes
Ukraine, Russia Pricing Dispute Halts Russian Gas Exports to Europe  Audio Clip Available
Past, Present and Future US Presidents Meet at White House  Audio Clip Available
Obama Says He Cannot Take Stand on Gaza Until He Takes Office  Audio Clip Available
Pakistan's National Security Advisor Fired After Mumbai Disclosure
AU Denies Somali Militant Group's Abuse Claims  Audio Clip Available
Darfur Women Warn of Reaction if ICC Indicts Bashir  Audio Clip Available
National Security Advisor Says Iran a Top Challenge for Obama
Zimbabwe's Mugabe Appoints Temporary Ministers  Audio Clip Available
Dispute Over Obama's Senate Seat May Come to an End
Press Groups Condemn Attack on Mexican TV Studio
Jewish Americans, Arab Americans Discuss Gaza Conflict in 'Peace Cafe'  Video clip available
Rains Bring Drought Relief to Parched Australia  Audio Clip Available
Rajasthan's Camel Trade Faces Changing Times  Audio Clip Available