Iraqi leaders have put off a vote on the country's new constitution for a second time, adjourning parliament last night at a midnight deadline. The move was made to gain time to try to win over the Sunni Arab minority whose support is key to ending the insurgency.

Negotiators had finished the draft constitution and submitted it to parliament. However, the draft was withdrawn at the last minute because of fierce resistance from the Sunni minority.

Hajim al-Hassani, speaker of the National Assembly says there is strong interest in reaching unanimity on the draft.

"Today the draft Constitution was received by the National Assembly but there are still some points that need to be addressed within the next three days. We received the draft resolution and there is a determination from all parties concerned that there must be a consensus between all parties on the remaining issues so the Constitution can satisfy everyone".

The Sunni minority issued a statement early Tuesday saying it rejected the constitution because the government and the committee did not abide by an agreement for consensus.