Iraqi Shiites, Sunnis Reach Compromise

"BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Senior members of a Shiite-dominated committee drafting Iraq's new constitution reached a compromise Thursday with Sunni Arab groups on the number of representatives the minority will have on the body drafting the charter.

The agreement broke weeks of deadlock between the 55-member committee and Sunni Arabs over the size of their representation.

The stalemate had threatened to derail Iraq's political process as it was about to enter its final stretch, with two key nationwide votes later this year - a constitutional referendum and a general election.

Under the deal, 15 Sunni Arabs would join two members of the minority already on the committee. Another 10 Sunni Arabs would join, but only in an advisory capacity."
MyWay