Extension for Iraq’s draft constitution

IRAQ’S parliament yesterday agreed a seven-day extension for leaders to complete a draft constitution, after politicians failed to reach Monday’s deadline.

Parliament was acting on a request from Kurdish leaders for more time.

Shi’ite, Sunni and Kurdish framers of the charter had reached a tentative deal late last night, agreeing on issues ranging from oil revenues to the country’s name, but putting off decision on the most contentious questions.

These include women’s rights, the role of Islam and possible Kurdish autonomy.

Efforts to meet the Aug. 15 deadline showed how determined Iraqis are to maintain political momentum under intense US pressure, but their failure to agree was a clear sign that their sharp political divisions are far from over.

Parliament delayed the session by two hours before last-minute talks failed to agree on a federated state and other issues.

Some politicians said the constitution could be approved despite Sunni objections.

The 275-member National Assembly had originally been scheduled to convene at 3pm Irish time to consider the draft.

Tariq al-Hashimi, general secretary of Iraq’s biggest Sunni political group, the Iraqi Islamic party, told Al-Jazeera television that the minority’s demands were not the only obstacles blocking progress.

Instead, he said Shi’ites and Kurds also had “points of disagreement” and it might be better to delay a decision.

Munthir al-Fadl, a Kurdish member of the drafting committee, said if the Kurds didn’t get what they wanted on issues of “self-determination” and the authority of provincial governors, the constitution would fail.

The Iraqis have been under pressure from the United States to complete the charter on time and keep on track a political process the Americans hope will lure Sunnis away from the insurgency so foreign troops can begin to leave next year.

Iraqi leaders had insisted the draft constitution would be presented to parliament today. Spokesman Laith Kubba said: “Every group knows what they will lose if they don’t reach an agreement.”

One of the main contentions is a federal Iraq. This is supported by Shi’ites and Kurds, but Sunni clerics have urged followers to vote against any constitution that could lead to the break-up of the country.