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Iraq leaders reach consensus on some benchmarks
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Source: CCTV.com | 08-27-2007 09:09
Special Report: Iraq in Transition |
Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki delivers a speech in Baghdad August 26, 2007. Iraq's top Shi'ite, Sunni Arab and Kurdish political leaders announced on Sunday they had reached consensus on some key measures seen as vital to fostering national reconciliation. REUTERS/Handout/Iraqi Government office
Iraq's top Shi'ite, Sunni Arab and Kurdish leaders say they have reached consensus on some laws. This is good news for Washington which views these laws as vital for national reconciliation.
Iraqi officials say an agreement was signed to ease restrictions on former members of Saddam Hussein' Baath party joining the civil service and military. There is also a consensus on holding provincial elections.
Another agreement will see the release of many detainees held without charge. This has been a key demand of Sunni Arabs because the majority are members of their sect.
The leaders also endorsed a draft oil law, which has already been agreed by the Cabinet but has not yet gone to parliament.
Editor:Du Xiaodan
