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ARBIL, Iraq, Aug 24 (AFP) - 15h39 - Iraqi
Kurdistan's regional parliament Wednesday passed
Iraq's first post-Saddam Hussein draft constitution,
saying the charter, which still needs to be passed
in Baghdad, was a "big step" for the Kurds.
"Although the draft is not up to our expectations,
it represents a big step for us in this period,"
Kurdistan parliament speaker Adnan al-Mufti said in
his address to parliament in Arbil.
An AFP correspondent said the draft was passed by
all MPs present in a show of hands.
MPs first discussed key issues concerning Kurdish
demands after which the draft was passed.
The Kurds had been demanding the right to
self-determination, federalism in the northern
region and inclusion of oil-rich Kirkuk in their
region during negotiations with Baghdad.
However, intense pressure from the United States has
forced them to water down their demands in order to
pass the draft, which is due for Iraqi parliament
approval Thursday.
AFP
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