Iraqis agree to delay new regions

BAGHDAD, Sep 24: Iraqi political parties today agreed to delay the formation of any new autonomous federal regions for at least 18 months, putting aside an issue that has fueled sectarian violence, parliamentary officials said.

A committee would be formed tomorrow to start reviewing possible amendments to the constitution - a key demand of the Sunni minority - while Shi'ites keen to form an autonomous federal region agreed that this would not happen for at least 18 months from the passing of legislation allowing it to go ahead.

REUTERS