Shiites want decision on Iraqi PM delayed

Shiite leaders today decided to oppose convening parliament next week to decide the future of Iraqi prime minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari and may turn to the country’s top Shiite cleric to break the deadlock over the formation of the new government.

Sunni and Kurdish politicians had suggested that the 275-member legislature meet to decide whether al-Jaafari will head the next government after the prime minister refused their demands for him to step aside.