BAGHDAD, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Iraq's National Assembly Sunday did not vote on the new draft constitution after it was read out during a parliament session.
It appeared the 275-seat Parliament refrained from voting on the document due to the Arab Sunnis' objections to several articles in the charter, including the Arab identity of the country and attempts to turn the country into a federal state.
Sunni Speaker Hajem al-Hosni did not attend Sunday's session, but no explanation was given for his absence.
Deputy Speaker Hussein al-Shehristani, a Shiite, adjourned the session until Monday to debate the elections law.
The draft charter was approved by the two dominant Kurdish and Shiite alliances in the National Assembly.
Arab Sunni leaders complained the draft constitution fell short of Iraqi aspirations in keeping the country united.
