Officials Hold Talks on Iraq Constitution

[ECH1969]

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Discussions are under way to fine tune Iraq's draft constitution in hopes of still winning Sunni Arab approval, representatives of both sides in the talks said Friday.

"Discussions are under way to make minor changes in the language to improve the text to satisfy some parties," Shiite negotiator Khalid al-Attiyah told The Associated Press.

News of the talks came as thousands of Shiite Muslims rallied in the southern city of Basra to show support for the constitution and the Shiite-dominated government.

Another demonstration in Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit drew about 2,000 Sunni Arabs who urged that voters reject the constitution in the Oct. 15 referendum because its provision on federalism will lead to the breakup of the country.

http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2005/09/01/ap/headlines/d8cc5ir0d.txt

[Teaser]

1. How does one "fine tune language"

about fundamental differences, anyway?