http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/10/12/africa/ME_GEN_Iraq_Federalism.phpSunni accuse Shiites of dirty tricks in passing controversial federalism law
The Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq Sunni politicians accused Shiite lawmakers Thursday of using dirty tricks to push through a new law on federalism, a landmark measure that will transform Iraq by allowing Shiites to form a self-rule mini-state in the south.
The dispute reflects the deep controversy over federalism, which top leaders of Iraq's majority Shiites support but which Sunnis deeply oppose, fearing it will tear the country to pieces and further fuel sectarian violence.
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One of the main Sunni parties, however, accused the Shiites of fudging the numbers, saying quorum had not been reached.
"The session was confused and turbulent. They claimed they met the quorum but they did not. There were no more than 126 lawmakers," said Mohammed al-Daimi, spokesman for the National Dialogue Council.
"We will raise an appeal against the process and seek an investigation into the vote," al-Daimi said.