BAGHDAD, Aug 9: Insurgents killed at least 27 Iraqis and one US soldier as a crucial meeting of top politicians began Tuesday to hammer out a deal on the country’s new constitution ahead of an Aug 15 deadline. An intense sandstorm that brought Baghdad to a standstill Monday had delayed the meeting for more than 24 hours as many leaders were unable to reach the Iraqi capital.

It was due to involve “five to seven” top leaders, including Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari, his spokesman Leith Kubba had earlier told reporters.

“There will then be a larger meeting of some 30 to 35 leaders” to consider details of the proposals, Mr Kubba added. However it was not known if Massoud Barzani, the Kurdish leader, had reached Baghdad in time to attend the meeting.—AFP