Iraqi parliament session reveals need for consensus
Iraq, Politics, 3/17/2006

The new Iraqi parliament yesterday opened its first sessions, three months after the elections of its members amid strong security conditions.

The session was finalized after members of the parliament took their constitutional oath but without electing a presidential council for the parliament.

According to the Iraqi constitution, the parliament elects the President of the State and two Vice Presidents who form a "the Presidency Council," which must be elected by one list and with a two-thirds majority, as the Washington Post lists of the constitution.

The session was presided by Adnan al-Baja Jee (83 years old) in being the eldest member. He said in his speech that "according to the constitution, the first session should elect the presidency commission. But after consultations with the parliamentary blocs it was agreed that the consultations will continue to be open to pave the way for further consultations."

He called in his speech for sectarian quota and party commitment in forming the government.

He also called for getting rid of the problems of the past for the sake of the people, to avoid a narrow based government, and to draw partnership mechanism in order to take decisions that are sensitive for the country's higher interests.

The convening of the Iraqi parliament came at a time when the pace of tension increased in Iraq over the reciprocated demands between prominent Shiite and Sunni commissions for clear positions towards "the terrorists" following the destruction of the two Shrines of the two Imams in Samara and the explosions of al-Sader city and the followed acts of violence which claimed the life of hundreds and its reflection on the lack of formation of the Iraqi government.

Abdul Aziz al-Hakim called on the Sunni population to take a clear position towards "terrorism and terrorists," noting that the one who rejects to do so will be suspected, while the Sunni Muslim Scholars Commission expressed "regret" over those making such demands without condemning the "new Shiite trend" in remarks to the Shiite militias in the government departments who kill the Sunni.

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  Iraqi leader asks for Iran - US talks on Iraq   (3/16/2006)
  Iraqi parliament first meeting today   (3/16/2006)
  US government report on Iraq's human rights   (3/13/2006)
  Political detente in Iraq   (3/13/2006)

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