Sunnis call for government of national unity in Iraq

Sunni Arab politicians called today for a government of national unity and signalled they will use their increased numbers in parliament to curb the power of rival Shiites who have claimed the biggest number of seats in the new legislature.

Official returns released yesterday from the December 15 national election confirmed that the coalition of Shiite religious parties that dominates the outgoing government had again won the biggest number of seats in the new parliament – but not enough to govern without partners.