Iraq speaker elected

2005-04-03 11:44

Baghdad - Iraqi lawmakers elected Industry Minister Hajim al-Hassani, a Sunni Arab, as parliament speaker, ending days of deadlock.

Former nuclear scientist Hussain al-Shahristani, a Shiite, and Kurdish leader Aref Taifour were elected as al-Hassani's deputies. The decision came two months after historic elections, and was a step toward repairing the tattered image of the newly elected National Assembly, which had bickered for days over who would take the speaker post.

The three were elected by secret ballot, with lawmakers writing three candidates on a piece of paper that was dropped into a box. The ballots were then read out loud and marked down, one-by-one, on a large, white board.

The three top candidates - Al-Hassani with 215; al-Shahristani with 157, and Taifour with 96 - were elected. Forty-three parliament members didn't attend Sunday's session, but it wasn't clear why they were absent.

Lawmakers also hoped to name a new president later Sunday - likely Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani. They had focused on picking a Sunni Arab as speaker in an effort to reach out to the minority dominant under ousted dictator Saddam Hussein.

Once in his post, Talabani and his two vice presidents have two weeks to name the new interim prime minister, expected to be Shiite politician Ibrahim al-Jaafari. After that, the legislative body has until mid-August to write a new constitution that will pave the way for new elections and a permanent government.

Parliament's 275 members have struggled to form a new government after January 30 elections. Their session Tuesday to choose a parliament speaker disintegrated into shouts and accusations.

- AP