Iraqi parliament asked to convene

IRAQ’S president said yesterday he would convene the new parliament for the first time on March 12, beginning a 60-day countdown during which lawmakers must elect a new head of state and sign off on a prime minister and cabinet.

Renewed violence across the country yesterday underscored a dangerous leadership vacuum as Sunni Arab and Kurdish politicians increased pressure on Shi’ite Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari to abandon his bid for a new term, and leaders of Iraq’s Shi’ite majority struggled to overcome internal divisions.

The constitution requires parliament to meet no later than four weeks after the vote was certified, which occurred on February 12 nearly two months after the electionn.