AP Shiites Propose Plan to Break Deadlock

[rodeodance]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060415/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq;_ylt=AoQV7PtF1vbCNyEQwsD35uas0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--

Shiites Propose Plan to Break Deadlock

By SAMEER N. YACOUB, Associated Press Writer 15 minutes ago

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Shiite politicians suggested a formula Saturday for replacing their nominee for prime minister to break the deadlock over
Iraq's new unity government, officials said. At least 12 Iraqis died in a car bombing near a Baghdad restaurant and other attacks.


Two Shiite officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the discussions, said the formula called for Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari to step aside in favor of another candidate from his Dawa party.

In return, the biggest Shiite party, the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, would not push Vice President Adil Abdul-Mahdi for the post, the officials said.

It was unclear, however, whether al-Jaafari — who said as recently as Friday that he wouldn't step down — had signed off on the plan. It also appeared no agreement was reached by Dawa on a replacement. The incumbent defeated Abdul-Mahdi for the nomination in a vote among Shiite lawmakers in February.

[rodeodance]

1. "considered a key step toward withdrawing American forces" (one step)

....Sunni and Kurdish opposition to al-Jaafari has stalled efforts to form a unity government four months after parliamentary elections.

Shiite officials are under intense pressure from the United States, Britain and the Shiite clerical hierarchy to resolve the impasse so a new government can take power — considered a key step toward withdrawing American forces.

On Friday, representatives of the main political blocs agreed to create a six-member committee to choose names of candidates for the posts of president, vice president and prime minister, said Mahmoud Othman, a Kurdish elder statesman.

The committee met Saturday and planned to meet again if necessary on Sunday before parliament convenes the next day, he said.

[gizmo1979]

2. Yeah!It only took how many

months?I'm sure this will only take oh by 2008 they should be close.