Iraqi legislators harassed by colleagues

Baltimore News.Net
Wednesday 19th November, 2008

In Iraq, a parliamentary debate on the US-Iraq security agreement has been halted because of interference by legislators loyal to Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

Wednesday’s session of the parliament was adjourned after a Sadrist politician approached and threatened a ruling coalition member who was reading aloud the text of the pact.

There had been other disruptions and shouting by Sadrist members earlier in the day, making it impossible for the speaker to retain order.

Parliament is expected to vote on the US-Iraq pact on November 24th.

Because Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's ruling coalition dominates the legislature, the security agreement is expected to pass despite the opposition by Sadrists.

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