Iraq's Sunnis pick parliament speaker as battles rage

Iraq's Sunni Arab politicians have picked a candidate for the post of parliamentary speaker, an achievement that could revive stalled efforts to form a new government after April polls.
The United Nations warned yesterday that Iraq's deeply-divided politicians must quickly form a government or risk descent into "chaos", as security forces beat back one militant assault but lost ground elsewhere.
Iraqi MPs are to hold a parliament session today to hasten the appointment of a parliamentary speaker, president and premier, in the hope that new leadership can better counter a sweeping jihadist-led militant offensive that began last month.
"Elections were held in which doctor Salim al-Juburi won the confidence of the lawmakers present, and he was confirmed as the Sunni bloc's candidate for speaker of parliament," a statement from parliament's United for Change Sunni grouping said.

By convention, the role of head of parliament is awarded to Iraq's minority Sunnis, the post of president to the Kurds and premiership reserved for Iraq's majority Shiites.
The statement was sent on behalf of a wider meeting of Sunni lawmakers, who also pledged not to accept incumbent premier Nuri al-Maliki for a third term.

Such a condition could be a stumbling block in forming a new government, given Maliki's vow earlier this month to never give up on his candidacy for another turn as Iraqi leader.
The previous session of parliament earlier this month ended in mayhem, with MPs trading insults and threats. Too few returned to the chamber after a break meant to cool tempers and the quorum needed to proceed with a vote was lost.

UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov warned Iraqi politicians that "failure to move forward on electing a new speaker, a new president and a new government risks plunging the country into chaos".
"It will only serve the interests of those who seek to divide the people of Iraq and destroy their chances for peace and prosperity," he said.
Attendance could be a problem, with parliament not even able to reach a quorum for an emergency session called at the height of the militant offensive last month.
Abdulsalam al-Maliki, an MP from Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's list, said any member of the Shiite National Alliance who stays away is siding with "the enemies of Iraq.