Iraqi lawmakers approve crucial election law
Updated: Monday, November 09, 2009
12:00GMT—7:00AM/EST
Washington, 9 November (WashingtonTV)—After weeks of deadlock, the Iraqi parliament on Sunday approved a crucial election law ahead of a national election in January.
The law, which was passed by a wide margin, was hailed by Iraqi and American leaders as a triumph for Iraq’s emerging democracy, reports the New York Times.
The deadlock had raised fears that the parliamentary election may have been delayed, and that such a postponement could undo recent progress towards greater stability.
The U.S. had said that a delay could set back the scheduled withdrawal of American combat troops.
The country’s factions were deadlocked on a number of issues, including the distribution of seats in the ethnically divided, oil-rich city of Kirkuk, reports the BBC.
US President Barack Obama hailed the vote as an “important milestone” as Iraqis take responsibility for their future.
“I want to congratulate Iraq's leaders for reaching this agreement. Their flexibility and commitment to their country sends an important signal to the world about Iraq's democracy and national unity,” Obama said at the White House.
Obama acknowledged that “tough challenges” remain for Iraq, but vowed that the U.S. would continue to stand with the country “as a strong partner and as a friend.”
The January election will be only the second national vote since the fall of Saddam Hussein.
Sources: New York Times, BBC News, White House website
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