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Iraqi Factions Meet as Constitution Deadline Looms
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(http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=EB14F8:3919ACA

No progress reported on constitution agreement as violence claim more
lives  





Iraqis look at the banner reading "Islam is our constitution" in
predominately Sunni city of RamadiIraqi political leaders are meeting
again Monday in a bid to reach agreement on a new constitution before
a deadline of midnight, Baghdad time.

There has been no sign that Sunni, Shi'ite, and Kurdish negotiators
are making progress to resolve disputes. Key issues dividing the
groups include women's rights, the distribution of oil revenue, and
the role of Islamic law.

Iraq's National Assembly is due to convene in Baghdad shortly to hear
proposals on the draft constitution. If there is no agreement,
lawmakers would have to extend the deadline, or face the possibility
of dissolving parliament and holding new elections.

Negotiators were originally working against an August 15 deadline, but
talks were extended by one week last Monday.

Meanwhile, Iraqi authorities say an insurgent attack north of Baghdad
today killed eight policemen and at least two civilians.

And a power failure has shut down Iraq's southern oil terminals at
Basra and Khor al-Amaya. It is not clear whether sabotage was
involved.

Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.


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