Iraq passes election law
Obama hails milestone:
IRAQ: Iraqi lawmakers passed a long-delayed election law on Sunday to
pave the way for a January poll, after parliament sidestepped a
potentially explosive row over the oil-producing city of Kirkuk.
|
Iraq poll |
| * Election
law delay had put poll date in doubt
* Legislation largely avoids
fateful decision on Kirkuk
* Parliament chooses open list
system for election |
Prolonged wrangling over the law had thrown the election date into
doubt, and U.S. officials had feared the row would hit plans to draw
down U.S. troops next year.
“Tough challenges remain and I am sure there will be difficult days
to come but this agreement advances the political progress that can
bring lasting peace and unity to Iraq, and allow for an orderly and
responsible transition of American combat troops out of Iraq by next
September,” U.S. President Barack Obama said.
The parliamentary election is seen as a crucial test for the world’s
11th largest crude oil producer as it emerges from carnage unleashed by
the U.S. invasion in 2003. After weeks of deadlock, a compromise over
the conduct of the poll in Kirkuk was approved by 141 out of 196
lawmakers, in a rowdy session broadcast live on state television.
Kurds consider Kirkuk their ancient capital, want to make it part of
their northern region and sought to use up-to-date voter rolls to
reflect an increase since 2003 in their numbers there. Arabs and Turkmen
say the city should remain under central government authority and
believe Kurds have stacked Kirkuk to tip the demographic balance.
Baghdad, Monday, Reuters |
