January 23, 2006	Monday	Zilhaj 22, 1426

BAGHDAD, Jan 22: Iraq’s biggest Sunni political bloc committed itself on Sunday to talks with Shias and Kurds to form a government of national unity, but said its key demands, including changes to the constitution, must be met. The United States, which is driving the political process, is anxious for the Kurds and majority Shias, who dominated last month’s elections, to form a government that includes minority Sunnis. It hopes an inclusive coalition will undermine a raging Sunni insurgency.

Sunnis make up about 20 per cent of Iraq’s 26 million population and Shias around 60 per cent. Kurds, who are predominantly Sunni, make up about 15-20 per cent and the remainder is Christian or from other smaller sects.

In the latest violence, four policemen were killed and nine wounded by a roadside bomb in Baquba, 65 km north of Baghdad. Thirteen other people were killed in shootings and explosions across Iraq, including a policeman’s four nephews who died in a rocket attack on his home.

The Iraqi Accordance Front, which comprises three mainly Islamist Sunni Arab groups, said it would appeal against the results of an election it believes was rigged but would still take part in talks on a new coalition government.

“It will be active in talks with other political blocs to form a unity government,” said Tareq al-Hashemi, whose moderate Iraqi Islamic Party is the biggest member of the Front.

Hashemi said the election results did “not reflect the political and population weight” of the Front, which believes it should have won 11 more seats. The Sunni coalition would seek key ministries in the new government as compensation, he said.

The Front also intends to hold talks with Shias and Kurds on the constitution, which was approved in a referendum last October but opposed by Sunnis who objected to several clauses.

They fear the constitution’s provisions for federalism will give Kurds and Shias control over Iraq’s vast oil reserves in and eventually break the country apart.

“We ask the blocs not to put obstacles in the way of making some changes to the constitution,” Hashemi told a news briefing.—Reuters