Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Iraqi parliament fails to reach election deal
| International
|
My Profile
Top News
Reuters top ten news stories delivered to your inbox each day.
Subscribe
You are here:
Home
>
News
>
International
>
Article
Home
Business & Finance
News
U.S.
Politics
International
Technology
Entertainment
Sports
Lifestyle
Oddly Enough
Health
Science
Special Coverage
Video
Pictures
Your View
The Great Debate
Blogs
Weather
Reader Feedback
Do More With Reuters
RSS
Widgets
Mobile
Podcasts
Newsletters
Your View
Make Reuters My Homepage
Partner Services
CareerBuilder
Affiliate Network
Professional Products
Support (Customer Zone)
Reuters Media
Financial Products
About Thomson Reuters
Iraqi parliament fails to reach election deal
Mon Nov 23, 2009 12:30am EST
Email | Print |
Share
| Reprints | Single Page
[-]
Text
[+]
By Waleed Ibrahim
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The Iraqi parliament on Sunday failed to resolve an impasse threatening to delay the country's election in January, which could affect the U.S. military's plans for a partial pullout next year.
There are only a couple of days left for parliament to address Vice-President Tareq al-Hashemi's veto of an election law, as the law must be passed 60 days before a vote and January 23 is viewed by Iraq's majority Shi'ite Muslims as the last possible date in January for the ballot to take place.
If no resolution is found, Iraq may have to delay the election for a month until after the Shi'ite religious festival of Arbain, a move that western diplomats and U.N. officials have warned would be unconstitutional.
"I think tomorrow will be crucial and the issue will be resolved," said Khalid al-Attiya, deputy speaker of parliament. "There are no agreements but there are ideas and I hope we will agree on a specific project tomorrow."
The election is viewed as a milestone for Iraq as it emerges from years of sectarian bloodshed since the U.S. invasion in 2003 and starts to stand on its own feet ahead of a full U.S. withdrawal by December 31, 2011.
Privately, Western and Iraqi officials say a short delay in holding the ballot might not be a bad thing as it would give the electoral authorities more time to prepare.
But the constitution stipulates that the next election should be held by January 31, and breaching that barrier could set a dangerous precedent that might be exploited in the future by a would-be strongman, disinclined to hold a scheduled election.
A major delay might also affect U.S. plans to end combat operations by August 31 next year, as U.S. military commanders want to retain a sizeable force in Iraq until the next government is in place and the security situation is clear.
VOTES ABROAD
Hashemi, a Sunni Arab who is one of three members of a presidential council with veto rights, rejected the election law because he said it did not give enough representation to Iraqis who fled abroad when the U.S. invasion triggered sectarian bloodshed. Many of the exiles are Sunnis.
Parliament is discussing whether it can reject Hashemi's veto and send the law back to the presidential council or whether it has to amend the law first.
If it decides to amend the law, there is a risk that other parties will seek additional changes.
Iraq's minority Kurds have said they might boycott the election unless their three semi-autonomous provinces in northern Iraq are given more seats.
The election law was approved on November 8 after weeks of wrangling between Kurds, Arabs and Turkmen over how to hold the vote in the city of Kirkuk, which they dispute. U.S. diplomats and U.N. officials lobbied energetically for passage of the law.
"We only have 48 hours to end this impasse, otherwise an election by the end of January will be impossible," said Abbas al-Bayati, a lawmaker of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's ruling Shi'ite alliance.
(Writing by Michael Christie; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved
Share:
Del.icio.us
Digg
Mixx
Yahoo!
Facebook
LinkedIn
Next Article:
PRESS DIGEST - Wall Street Journal - Nov 23
Also on Reuters
Denmark says 65 leaders to join climate talks
"Twilight" sequel enters record books
U.S. Q3 seen revised down on widening trade deficit
More World News
China families protest mine disaster, toll hits 104
| Video
Iran launches war games to protect nuclear sites
| Video
Israeli president plays down settlement work
Indonesian ferry with over 200 people on board sinks
| Video
Sudan delays elections by six days
More World News...
Related News
FACTBOX: Security developments in Iraq, Nov 23
12:30am EST
Editor's Choice
Slideshow
A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours. Slideshow
Most Popular on Reuters
Articles
Video
Taylor Swift, Jackson win American Music Awards
U.S. dollar no longer a one-way bet
Pope tells artists beauty can be a path to God
Taylor Swift wins five American Music Awards
Electric carmaker Tesla preparing IPO: sources
Canada money launderer shows holes in Vegas casinos
Radiation leak investigated at Three Mile Island
Google Chrome OS: Everything You Need to Know
Michael Jackson's glove sells for $350,000 at auction
Smash "Twilight" sequel enters record books
Most Popular Articles RSS Feed
Video
U.S. health reform moves on
Iran begins air defence war games
Israeli warplanes pound Gaza
Assam on alert after blasts
Overcrowded ferry sinks in Indonesia
U.S. hijack ship escapes second bid
H1N1 mutation discovered in Norway
Delayed spacewalk ends successfully.
Elephants rampage in eastern India
Collider restarts after hitch
Most Popular Videos RSS Feed
The Great Debate
How to finance the war in Afghanistan?
Despite all the pondering President Obama has given to whether to increase troops, it seems he has given far too little consideration to the overall cost of escalating the war and how it will undercut his ability to fund the ambitious domestic policy agenda he has set out from bank bailouts to health care reform. Commentary
U.S. civilian experts train for the real Afghanistan
Full Coverage: Afghanistan
Reuters.com:
Help and Contact Us |
Advertise With Us |
Mobile |
Newsletters |
RSS |
Labs |
Journalism Handbook |
Archive |
Site Index |
Video Index
Thomson Reuters Corporate:
Copyright |
Disclaimer |
Privacy |
Professional Products |
Professional Products Support |
About Thomson Reuters |
Careers
International Editions:
Africa |
Arabic |
Argentina |
Brazil |
Canada |
China |
France |
Germany |
India |
Italy |
Japan |
Latin America |
Mexico |
Russia |
Spain |
United Kingdom |
United States
Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.
NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.
Other News on Monday, 23 November 2009 Failed N. Ireland car bomb highlights terror threat
Iran releases ex-official on bail in mass trial
Dissidents suspected in N. Ireland bomb attempt
Alleged Iraq bombers offer confessions
Egypt's president warns Israel over Jerusalem
Sudan delays elections by six days
| International
|
Iran wants nuclear fuel guarantees
Saudi troops killed in Yemen rebel clashes: report
| International
|
Iran's Mousavi tells government to end intimidation
Iran's Mousavi tells government to end intimidation
| International
|
Algeria court acquits two ex-Guantanamo detainees
| International
|
Pakistan troops repulse militant attack
Iran begins war games to protect atom sites
RI bishop asked Kennedy in 2007 to avoid Communion
Police identify gunman in deadly Saipan rampage
Indonesian ferry sinks; 29 dead, some 240 rescued
Democrats: Health care bill saves money and jobs
Officials: Pakistani troops kill some 40 militants
Va. Military Institute faces sexism accusations
China mine explosion death toll reaches 92
Senate moderates frustrate other Democrats on bill
Dalai Lama says Obama not soft on China
Durbin says deadline looming for health care bill
NRC investigating radiation at Three Mile Island
Indonesian ferry sinks; 25 dead, some 240 rescued
Schumer says public option can pass the Senate
China's defense minister travels to North Korea
Indonesian ferry sinks; 15 dead, some 230 rescued
Nelson might not back next step for health bill
Senate Dems frustrated with sway held by moderates
Smash Twilight sequel enters record books
| Entertainment
|
Jackson, Swift face off at American Music Awards
Tensions between British, US military over Iraq
BA warns cabin crew over strike: report
China families protest mine disaster, toll hits 104
| International
|
News Corp, Microsoft hold talks on Google: report
Iraq says October 25 bombers came from Syria: spokesman
Spanish PM vows sweeping reforms to boost economy
Harnessing the power of salt, Norway tries osmotic power
eBay apologizes for technical glitch in search function
Indonesian ferry sinks; 29 dead, most survive
| International
|
Laptop becomes reality for Uruguay's schoolchildren
Iraqi parliament fails to reach election deal
| International
|
Sudan delays elections by six days
Somali pirates holding 12-year-old hostage: Spanish skipper
US-TECH Summary
US economy will 'bounce back': Indian PM
eBay says fixes search glitch on website
China quake activist jailed for three years
| International
|
Antarctic ice loss vaster, faster than thought: study
Pakistani militant group an intractable Indian foe
| International
|
Saudi troops killed in Yemen rebel clashes: report
| International
|
Laptop becomes reality for Uruguay's schoolchildren
eBay says fixes search glitch on website
| Technology
|
Study: kids watching hours of TV at home daycare
Winners at the American Music Awards
Japan mulls F-35 purchase as next main fighter jet
Australia battles wildfires as threat eases: officials
S.Korea ignores N.Korea offer to resume tours
Palin dines, prays with Rev. Billy Graham in NC
Chinese dissident Huang Qi sentenced to 3 years
SF area officer, passenger injured during arrest
4 Taiwan fishing vessels detained by Myanmar
Hundreds rescued as 29 die in Indonesia ferry sinking
Key senators seek changes on US health care bill
Khmer Rouge prison chief anxious as trial wraps up
China quake activist jailed for three years
Swimmers, poets among 2010 Rhodes Scholars from US
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Grand Canyon to change 'unfair' permit system
Demonstration at UC Santa Cruz ends peacefully
Cambodia begins final arguments in KRouge jail chief trial
Taiwan to curb Chinese investment in key sectors: report
Miners' families want answers in China mine blast
NZ consumer confidence eases in November -survey
Survivors recount China mine disaster; 104 dead
S.Korea won up on stock-linked deals, trade data
Seoul shares rangebound;KEB jumps on Hana interest
S.Korean bonds down on KDI report, auctions
Japan markets closed
Taylor Swift wins five American Music Awards
| Entertainment
|
Seoul shares open up on foreign buying, KEB
Michael Jackson's glove sells for $350,000 at auction
| Entertainment
|
Hundreds rescued, 29 die as Indonesia ferry sinks
Winners at the American Music Awards
Taylor Swift wins five American Music Awards
Sting warns of hydroelectric project in Amazon
Two hurt as bulls flee Tom Cruise film set
'New Moon' wolfs down $140.7M in opening weekend
Flashy Indian brides struggle with high gold prices
Attorney: Jackson's doctor returning to work
Ubisoft steps up videogame fitness with virtual coach
Rare Charles Darwin book in toilet in Britain
Iran police arrest 12 couples for partner swapping
Executives testify in Airbus insider trading probe
Spotify launches application for Nokia phones
Iraq parliament passes new vote law
| International
|
OECD area shakes off recession with fragile rebound
Iran prez seeks new legitimacy in visit to Brazil
Atlantis astronauts begin third and last spacewalk
IMF head says world economy 'highly vulnerable'
Two Afghan ministers suspected of embezzlement
| International
|
Pakistani forces attack Taliban, kill 22
| International
|
Afghan security plans 'a tall order'
Murky ocean depths hide abundance of life
Israel-Hamas prisoner swap deal near: officials
| International
|
Remains of British hostage found in Lebanon
| International
|
Taiwan to curb China investment: report
Lochte ends Phelps's reign as swimmer of year
Khmer Rouge torturer had broad autonomy, lawyer says
| International
|
Gunmen kill 21 in Philippine political war
| International
|
India tests nuclear-capable missile after sunset
| International
|
Spotify launches application for Nokia phones
Microsoft, News Corp weigh web pact: source
| Technology
|
Tweets or bleats? Tool measures importance on Twitter
| Technology
|
Transgender murderer renews electrolysis request
Gunmen kill 21 in Philippine political war
Lawyer: 9/11 defendants want platform for views
Gunfire at home of US teachers in Indonesia's Aceh
21 Filipinos killed on way to file election papers
Medical marijuana finds social outlet in Ore. cafe
Obama to speak on education, present rights award
Khmer Rouge torturer had broad autonomy, lawyer says
The nation's weather
Philippine kidnappers kill 21 in 'political massacre'
Zimbabwe women, receiving rights award, speak out
Philippine army says 21 people killed in south
FBI wants public's help in civil rights killings
AP NewsAlert
Trial for Khmer Rouge prison chief concludes
Gunmen kill 21 in Philippine political violence
Reliance shares rise over 3% on LyondellBasell bid
Taiwan export orders see first rise in 13 months
JAL seeks 40% pension benefits cut for bailout
Gold hits record high past $1,160 per ounce
Cuba film institute founder looks back on 50 years
PREVIEW-Pakistani c.bank likely to slash policy rate
Taiwan jobless rate drops in October
Bio-fuel growth raises concerns about forests
Smash Twilight sequel enters record books
| Entertainment
|
Two foreign funds compete to buy S.Korea builder
S.Korea c.bank to call in Fed-funded bank loans
Indonesia president set to act on corruption scandal
CORRECTED-Indonesian ferry with over 200 people on board sinks
China's Haitong Securities to buy Hong Kong broker
Brad Pitt's production company enters Dark Void
| Entertainment
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights