Iraqi election law vetoed

Iraq's Sunni Arab vice president has vetoed an election law, prompting poll workers to halt preparations, and casting new doubt on whether the vote can take place in January. The US has expressed disappointment, since a delay of the election could affect US plans to end combat operations next August and pull out fully by 2011.

The Sunni Vice president announced he would send part of the law back to parliament to be amended.

He wants more seats allocated for Iraqis living abroad, most of whom are Sunni Arabs.

Iraqi vice president Tariq Al-Hashemi said, "The proposed amendment has included three points. First; to increase the compensation seats from 5 percent to 15 percent which targets Iraqi nationals abroad, in the forefront of which are displaced people. Second; to be fair with social entities by increasing their portion of compensatory seats. Third; to be fair with the small electoral lists with the aim of encouraging multiple participation."