- BAGHDAD (MENL) -- Iraq's
interim government has been exploring the prospect of delaying national
elections set for Jan. 30.
-
- Iraqi officials said Prime Minister Iyad Alawi has met
U.S. officials and Iraqi politicians regarding a postponement of the elections.
The officials said Alawi and Defense Minister Hazem Shalaan have determined
that insurgents would torpedo Sunni participation in the elections, a move
that could split the country.
-
- "Alawi sees no point in the elections, but doesn't
want to do anything without a consensus that would include the United States,"
an Iraqi official said. "He has been talking to everybody to ensure
that any delay would be limited and agreed by all."
-
- Officials said Alawi and other senior ministers have
assessed that the rise in insurgency attacks in Baghdad and the Sunni Triangle
would dissuade most Sunni voters from traveling to the polling stations.
They said Alawi has been concerned that a Sunni boycott would mark a huge
victory for Saddam Hussein loyalists.
|
