BAGHDAD, March 10: The Kurdish and Shia political blocs announced on Thursday they were close to signing a principle of understanding that the Kurds had insisted on before joining any government.

The news came as an official statement by the outgoing parliament said the first session of Iraq’s new national assembly would meet on March 16 inside Baghdad’s fortress-like Green Zone, home to Iraqi institutions and the US embassy.

The three-page principle of understanding that will formalize their alliance has been completed and will be signed by Sunday after a final review, the Shia side said. For their part, the Kurds said the sides had agreed on several points and expected to sign the deal within two or three days. The news put Iraq one step closer to having a government after its historic election almost six weeks ago.

“The two sides have drafted their principle of understanding. Both sides agree. Most likely it will be signed Sunday,” said Adnan Ali, an aide to Ibrahim Jaafari, the Shia frontrunner for post of prime minister.

The document reaffirms Iraq’s commitment to the transitional law (TAL), passed under the US occupation, that will govern Iraq until a permanent constitution is completed and ratified by the end of 2005. “We all agree that the TAL is the constitution for this government,” Adnan said, adding it would govern the handling of the disputed northern oil city of Kirkuk.

The document also pledged all Iraqi ministers to work for Iraq’s national interest and commits the government to restoring security, fighting unemployment and improving basic services, he said.—AFP