Aljazeera.Net - Iraqi leaders struggle over constitution:
The committee writing the new Iraqi constitution has decided to ask parliament for a 30-day extension to finish the draft, a move that marks a potential setback to US efforts to maintain political momentum to combat the fighting.
However, President Jalal Talabani, after meeting with US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilad, insisted the 15 August deadline for parliamentary approval would be met. He began urgent consultations with parliament leaders to head off a delay.
The formal request for a delay will be submitted to parliament on Monday, committee members said.
The decision to ask for an extension was taken during a committee meeting on Sunday, where a number of members said it was clear that major issues stood in the way of an agreement on the language of the charter.
Among the key disputes are federalism, dual nationality and the role of Islam."
The committee writing the new Iraqi constitution has decided to ask parliament for a 30-day extension to finish the draft, a move that marks a potential setback to US efforts to maintain political momentum to combat the fighting.
However, President Jalal Talabani, after meeting with US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilad, insisted the 15 August deadline for parliamentary approval would be met. He began urgent consultations with parliament leaders to head off a delay.
The formal request for a delay will be submitted to parliament on Monday, committee members said.
The decision to ask for an extension was taken during a committee meeting on Sunday, where a number of members said it was clear that major issues stood in the way of an agreement on the language of the charter.
Among the key disputes are federalism, dual nationality and the role of Islam."
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