More Iraq Attacks, Leaders Negotiate Over Constitution

24 August 2005 -- Reports say insurgents attacked Iraqi police patrols today in western Baghdad with several car bombs and small arms fire, killing at least two people.
Also today, police said Deputy Justice Minister Awshoo Ibrahim escaped a second assassination attempt in two days when gunmen fired at his convoy, killing four of his bodyguards.

Meanwhile, President Jalal Talabani held further talks with leaders of the Shi'ite, Sunni, and Kurdish factions in a bid to gain Sunni support for a draft constitution.

Talabani said the country's new charter must be for all its people and should meet the aspirations of Sunni Arabs.

Observers say it is unlikely that a consensus is being reached before the new tomorrow midnight deadline.

Sunni political leaders have opposed the draft, saying the document would threaten the interests of their community.

(Reuters/AFP/AP)

See also:

"Devil In The Constitutional Details"

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