Iraq's largest Sunni-Arab party has announced it will not take part in a new government except for drafting a constitution.
Saturday's announcement by the leader of the Iraqi Islamic Party (Tariq al-Hashimi) came after most Sunnis boycotted last week's election. Sunnis are a minority in Iraq, but governed the country under ousted dictator Saddam Hussein. Many Sunnis saw the election as part of a U.S. plan favoring majority Shi'ites and Kurds.
Meanwhile Saturday, at least 11 Iraqi soldiers and civilians were killed in violence, while insurgents claim they have killed 10 guardsmen and policemen captured in Baghdad last Thursday.
Also, Italy's foreign minister has appealed for the release of Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena, calling her a friend of the Iraqi people. She was kidnapped Friday in Baghdad.
Saturday's announcement by the leader of the Iraqi Islamic Party (Tariq al-Hashimi) came after most Sunnis boycotted last week's election. Sunnis are a minority in Iraq, but governed the country under ousted dictator Saddam Hussein. Many Sunnis saw the election as part of a U.S. plan favoring majority Shi'ites and Kurds.
Meanwhile Saturday, at least 11 Iraqi soldiers and civilians were killed in violence, while insurgents claim they have killed 10 guardsmen and policemen captured in Baghdad last Thursday.
Also, Italy's foreign minister has appealed for the release of Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena, calling her a friend of the Iraqi people. She was kidnapped Friday in Baghdad.