Iraqi official: deal reached on election

Source: ap

BAGHDAD – Iraqi leaders reached agreement Sunday to clear the way for parliament elections early next year that are seen as an important step toward political reconciliation and easing the withdrawal of U.S. troops, an official said.

The framework of the deal was reached after being mired for weeks over demands for greater political voice for minority Sunnis and the distribution of seats in Iraq's expanded 325-seat parliament in next year's election, said Omar al-Mishhadani, the spokesman for Parliament Speaker Ayad al-Samarie.

The accord needed final approval from parliament, which was meeting in an emergency late-night session to vote on the deal, state television reported. But no objections are expected from lawmakers since party bosses have backed the agreement.

The pact must receive final approval from lawmakers. But no objections are expected since party bosses have backed the main points of the agreement.


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091206/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq

as the start of our withdrawal is tied to this election.

FINALLY get out.