Related Event: Iraq in Transition

Iraqi negotiators have finished the country's new constitution, but without the endorsement of Sunni Arabs who helped prepare it.

Analysts say it may deal a blow to Bush administration and set the stage for a bitter campaign leading up to an October referendum.

The 15 members of the Sunni panel say they rejected the document because of disagreements over such issues as federalism, Iraq's identity and references to Saddam Hussein's Sunni-dominated Baath Party.

Sunni Arab negotiators also said in a joint statement that they had asked the United Nations and Arab League to intervene.
One Sunni negotiator, Ali al-Mishadani says the constitution is illegitimate.

He said from a legal and constitutional standpoint, the National Assembly is now virtually dissolved as it failed to submit the constitution on August 15, nor August 22, nor even three days later. The Assembly has lost its constitutional legitimacy.
But Humam Hammoudi, a Shiite and the chairman of the drafting committee, says the document symbolizes quote "a very advanced experience in the region and marvellous experience to the Iraqi people."

Meanwhile, US President George W. Bush on Sunday dismissed the rejection of the draft constitution by Sunni negotiators as the opinion of a few and expressed confidence that the failure to secure backing from all the country's ethnic and political groups won't derail a transition to democracy.

"The Iraqi people have once again demonstrated to the world that they are up to the historic challenges before them. The document they have produced contains far reaching protections for fundamental human freedoms, including religion, assembly, conscience, and expression."

But Bush also acknowledged there could be an increase in insurgent attacks leading up to the October 15 referendum in which Iraqis will vote on whether to accept or reject the document.

Bush said the United States would help assure success for the Iraqis, but didn't say precisely how.

The political debate has been watched in the cafes of Baghdad by those who are expected to decide its fate on October 15.

One man says he thinks the constitution would not be signed as long as there are "different viewpoints".