Parliament speaker Mahmoud Al Mashhadani opened the session two hours late because not enough members had showed up for a quorum during the announced starting time.

The session began with 160 of the 275 legislators present.

Key issues facing the lawmakers include a bill providing for provincial elections, legislation to regulate the oil industry and a security pact with the US.

US critics have complained that Iraqi leaders are failing to seize the opportunity created by improved security to reach power-sharing agreements.

Agencies