Iraq: Shiite Deputies Say Federalism Bill Ready To Go

[ECH1969]

The bill on creating a federal Iraq is ready to be voted in parliament, a deputy of the Shiite United Iraqi Alliance, Haydar al-Ibadi told local radio 'Sawa' on Tuesday.

"After the amendments made in recent days, based on the proposal of the other parliamentary groups, the bill is now ready and will shortly be voted on in the house," he said. "The bill which foresees the division of the country into macro-regions will be presented today or at latest tomorrow," added another Shiite M,P Abbas al-Baytani.

Sunni Arabs have said they fear the legislation will split Iraq apart and fuel sectarian bloodshed: the parliament agreed late last month to set up a committee to make several amendments to Iraq's constitution, including a key one weakening the ability to set up self-ruling cantons - demanded by Sunni MPs if they are to back the federalism bill.

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