CRAWFORD, March 6: Deadly suicide bomb attacks this week and disagreements over a proposed constitution will not stop Iraq's progress toward democracy, US President George Bush said on Saturday.

"The Iraqi people are making excellent progress," Mr Bush said in his weekly radio address. "Members of the Governing Council are having a free and open and spirited debate as they complete a new framework for governing their nation.

This transitional administrative law will result in protecting the rights of all Iraqis, and will move the country toward a democratic future."

The signing of the interim constitution was delayed on Friday after last-minute wrangling wrecked a carefully planned ceremony.

The delay arose after Shia Muslim leaders expressed concern that a clause in the document could give the Kurdish community a veto power in the future when a referendum is to be held on Iraq's permanent constitution.-AFP