CNN is reporting that the Iraqi constituiton has been accepted leaving two issues to be resolved by parliament. Those issues as of this AM were to what extent various regions would have local power in a federalist system. The other was to what extent Islam would be part of the new government.

Updated : CNN has full story now.

Nasar al-Rubaie, a member of the committee drafting the document, said the document would be handed over to the 275-member National Assembly late Monday for a decision on the two unresolved issues -- women's rights and self-determination. Jalaldin al-Saghir, a Shiite member of parliament, said the same thing but refused to identify the two remaining issues.

Updated again: It seems the national assembly has asked for 7 to 10 days to review this draft. If the issues are not worked out the assembly will dissolve itself and the whole thing starts all over.

The committee drafting the document had asked for an extension after it failed to reach a compromise by Monday's deadline after months of talks. The new deadline is August 22. Without the extension, the government would have dissolved, requiring new elections in December and starting the process again. Two Shiite officials told The Associated Press earlier Monday that Iraqi politicians had agreed on a draft constitution but delayed a decision on two key issues. The president's office told CNN no such deal had been reached.

Also here on ABCNEWS.

Yep fast is not always good. So now we get seven to ten more days. I've noted that in this part of the world no one agree's until the last minute. Well they've found some more minutes. I expect this will go on right up until the 22nd possibly until the early hours of the 23rd.

Posted by: Howie at 12:43 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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