Iraqi constitution committee mull extension of deadline to finish charter

Iraq's constitution writers met Sunday to debate whether they will need more time to draft the country's permanent charter or get it done on schedule, saying the final decision is to be made on Monday.

"I believe tomorrow we will take the final decision whether to ask for extension of two weeks or more, or to adhere to the timetable," said Abas al-Baiyati, a Shiite member of the constitution committee.

The committee can request a six-month extension of an Aug. 15 deadline to finish the job on Aug. 1 (Monday).

Shiite members of the committee demanded an extension of two weeks, Baiyati said, adding, "by talks and national consensus among all the parties, we can reach a balanced constitution." he added.

The constitution should be submitted to the parliament by Aug. 15, and put to referendum by Oct. 15, and elections for a new government to be held under the charter by Dec 15, according to the timetable.

Sunni Arab members in the committee rejected any request for extension, suggesting postponing talks on the most troublesome issues until after Dec. 15. Sunni Arabs have 17 members on the 71- member body.

The Kurdish members in the committee did not think the draft would be ready by Aug. 1. Therefore, an extension might be needed, they said.

Source: Xinhua