Iraqi President Says Parliament To Convene March 12

Talabani said he would issue a decree later today setting the date for the inaugural meeting.

The legislature would then have 60 days during which it must elect a new head of state and approve a prime minister and cabinet.

The parliament was elected nearly three months ago, but its meeting has been delayed by political wrangling over a new government and by an upsurge in sectarian violence.

In an attack today, a car bomb in Ba'qubah, northeast of Baghdad killed at least four police officers and two civilians. Some 20 people were injured. A series of bomb explosions rocked Baghdad, reportedly killing several people.

(compiled from agency reports)