Iraqi constitution draft ready for final approval, lawmakers say News
Iraqi constitution draft ready for final approval, lawmakers say

[JURIST] The draft Iraqi constitution [JURIST news archive] is expected to receive final approval by the constitutional drafting committee [JURIST report] in coming days after the committee agreed Thursday to changes that appeared to ease tensions over the text. Abbas al-Bayati, a Shiite member of the drafting committee, said Friday that negotiators had agreed to an amendment affirming that Iraq is an active member of the Arab League, a concern of Sunni lawmakers [JURIST report] threatening to oppose the document. Al-Bayati said no further changes were planned for the constitution, and a vote on the charter is expected to be held when the National Assembly opens its next session on Sunday. UN officials have been awaiting a final draft [JURIST report] for printing and distribution ahead of a planned Oct. 15 referendum. Reuters has more.