Optimism on finishing Iraqi constitution by Monday
Iraq, Politics, 8/17/2005

The political forces in Iraq on Tuesday held a new round of discussions in order to solve pending issues in the draft constitution after the Iraqi parliament amended the Interim State law to allow extending by one week the date for finishing the draft constitution.

Member of the constitution formulating committee and the second ranking man in the al-Dawa (call) party, which is led by the prime minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, expressed his hope that the sides concerned will be able to settle differences before the end of the new grace period of August 22.

He explained that it is possible to solve the differences in one day if there is an intention in the sides concerned to eliminate standing obstacles, noting that the fate of the draft constitution is linked by the ultimate end to the decision of citizens in the referendum to be held to this end.

The parliament hopes that this time extension will allow the Iraqi political leaders to reach solutions for the pending issues in some of its draft articles especially in regard to the federalism and the role of religion in legislation.

Should the political forces fail again in to meet the new deadline to complete the draft constitution, the parliament will face the crisis of having to be desolved and the possibility of making new elections under a tense political atmosphere.

Previous Stories:
  Iraqi constitution draft delayed as Kurds make new demands   (8/16/2005)
  ABC: US ambassador to Iraq optimistic about draft constitution   (8/15/2005)
  Agreements on drafting Iraqi constitution expected   (8/15/2005)

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