BAGHDAD, Aug 18: Iraqi political and religious leaders picked an interim national assembly on Wednesday, choosing a list of candidates backed by the government after four days of often heated debate.

The announcement was made by Waleed Shaltah, a senior member of the organizing committee for the process, who gave few other details. The 100-member assembly will oversee the government of Prime Minister Iyad Allawi and pave the way for elections in January.

On Tuesday, independent delegates said the assembly was being stacked with government supporters and could be no more than a rubber stamp. The assembly will be able to veto legislation with a two-thirds majority, approve the budget and appoint a new prime minister or president should either quit or die in office. -Reuters