Largest Sunni Bloc In Iraq's Parliament Ends Boycott

The Sunni bloc fought to have Mahmud al-Mashhadani reinstated as speaker (AFP) July 19, 2007 -- Lawmakers from Iraq's largest Sunni political bloc have ended a nearly five-week boycott of parliament.

The 44 members of the Iraqi Accordance Front returned to parliament after striking a deal with other blocs to reinstate the Sunni speaker, Mahmud al-Mashhadani. He was ousted by the Shi'ite-dominated assembly last month, triggering the bloc's walkout. Following his reinstatement, Al-Mashhadani led today's session.

The return of the Iraqi Accordance Front to parliament comes two days after lawmakers loyal to radical Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr ended their nearly five-week boycott of the legislature.

Both blocs are returning as legislators are preparing to discuss an important draft oil law.

(AFP, AP, Reuters)