Top Sunnis speak out against Iraq charter
Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 10:25 pm
BAGHDAD - Five of the top Sunni Arabs in government spoke out Saturday against the draft constitution, a major blow to deadline efforts to craft a document that can win the backing of all Iraqi groups. Sunni negotiators sought changes in the draft on the eve of a parliament session to approve it.
U.S. diplomats worked furiously to mediate a deal among the Shiite, Kurdish and Sunni Arab delegations so that the National Assembly can receive a document accepted by all -- enhancing chances for an easy approval by the voters in the Oct. 15 referendum.
The Shiites and Kurds have accepted the draft, but parliamentary approval over Sunni objections would be a severe blow to President George W. Bush's hopes that the document could lure Sunni Arabs from the insurgency and hasten the day U.S. troops could go home.
more @ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9084376/
U.S. diplomats worked furiously to mediate a deal among the Shiite, Kurdish and Sunni Arab delegations so that the National Assembly can receive a document accepted by all -- enhancing chances for an easy approval by the voters in the Oct. 15 referendum.
The Shiites and Kurds have accepted the draft, but parliamentary approval over Sunni objections would be a severe blow to President George W. Bush's hopes that the document could lure Sunni Arabs from the insurgency and hasten the day U.S. troops could go home.
more @ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9084376/