Date:19/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/19/stories/2008031953941900.htm

International

Sunni bloc abstains from Iraq meet

BAGHDAD: Iraq’s Shia Prime Minister opened a national conference on Tuesday aimed at reconciling the rival sects, but the main Sunni bloc boycotted the proceedings — a sign of the deep schisms still facing this country.

The meeting began one day after a suicide bomber struck Shia worshippers in the holy city of Karbala, killing at least 50 persons, according to an official and witness. The blast was the deadliest in a series of attacks that left at least 79 Iraqis dead on Monday.

In his opening statement, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said reconciliation was not intended to harm the interests of any group but was “a boat that saves us and takes us to safety”.

“From the first day, we said national reconciliation is not a political slogan, but a complete strategical vision to reconstruct Iraq,” said Mr. Maliki. .

But the Sunni Iraqi Accordance Front, said the group would not participate in the meetings until Shia lawmakers recognised their political aims. — AP