Iraqi Court Orders Parliament Back To Work

Acting speaker Fuad Masum

Iraq's highest court has ordered parliament back in session amid a seven-month political impasse that has blocked formation of a new government.

The Iraqi federal Supreme Court today called the delay unconstitutional and ordered the legislature back to work.

The court also told parliament to select a speaker and two deputy speakers.

Parliament's acting speaker, Fuad Masum, told The Associated Press that he expects to have a meeting date set by the end of this week.

Parliament's 325 lawmakers have met only once since March 7 elections that failed to give any party a ruling majority.

Political leaders have delayed parliament from reconvening as they negotiate over who will be the next prime minister.

compiled from agency reports