Sunnis Reject Draft of Iraqi Constitution - Yahoo! News

Sunnis Reject Draft of Iraqi Constitution - Yahoo! News:

"Sunni Arab negotiators also said in a joint statement that they had asked the
United Nations and Arab League to intervene.

The country's parliament speaker, Hajim al-Hassani, a Sunni Arab who was not on the negotiating panel, said he had 'some reservations' about the draft — including 'too much religion' and curbs on women's rights — and believed Shiites should have offered more concessions to the Sunnis.

Also, Sunni Vice President Ghazi al-Yawer did not attend a ceremony marking the end of the drafting process. Asked why al-Yawer was absent, President Jalal Talabani said 'he's sick,' eliciting laughter from officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Chalabi, a Shiite.

U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, who worked furiously to try to mediate a deal, said the constitution was 'a good document,' although he said he understood Sunni concerns.

The document, which included last-minute changes aimed at easing Sunni concerns, was read to lawmakers but was not put to a vote in the assembly, where the Shiite-Kurdish bloc has an overwhelming majority.

'The constitution is left to our people to approve or reject it,' said Talabani, a Kurd. 'I hope that our people will accept it despite some flaws.'"