Disruption ends Iraq security pact

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Iraq's parliament on Wednesday failed to carry out the second reading of the proposed U.S.-Iraq security agreement, a lawmaker told CNN.

The parliamentary session was adjourned until Thursday after lawmakers from the Sadrist bloc interrupted the session, Kurdish parliament member Mahmoud Othman told CNN.

Othman said Sadrist lawmakers walked up to the podium when the second reading began and started protesting. Security personnel had to remove the legislators and then the session was adjourned.

The dissenting lawmakers -- who represent Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr -- were incensed that parliament declined to pursue a second reading of another bill on how parliament should vote on such a pact.

Lawmakers hoped to debate the bill after the second reading and then vote on the measure Monday. The parliament's bylaws indicate that a delay would require that a vote be taken after Monday. The parliament had planned to recess its session for two weeks starting on Tuesday.

The security agreement, reached after months of negotiations between Iraqi and U.S. representatives, sets June 30, 2009, as the deadline for U.S. combat troops to withdraw from all Iraqi cities and towns. The date for all U.S. troops to leave Iraq would be December 31, 2011.

Article from CNN
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