Iraqi Parliament To Convene Next Week

Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Ja'fari (file photo) (epa) April 12, 2006 -- Iraq's parliament will convene on April 17, acting speaker Adnan Pachachi said today.

The last session was held on March 16, when the newly elected members were sworn in.


Pachachi said parliament will continue to push for the formation of a government of national unity, which has been stalled by disputes over the post of prime minister. Sunni and Kurdish parties oppose the nomination of the incumbent, Shi'ite leader Ibrahim al-Ja'fari, blaming him for failing to end sectarian violence.


The main Shi'ite-led United Iraqi Alliance (UIA) on April 11 failed to decide whether to keep al-Ja'fari as their nominee. Talks are due to continue today.


In a separate development, Iraqi Interior Minister Bayan Jabr Solagh denied accusations his ministry has links to sectarian attacks on Sunnis. He acknowledged gangs in uniform have carried out attacks, but said they are not official security forces.


(compiled from news agency reports)

RFE/RL Iraq Report

RFE/RL Iraq Report


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