BAGHDAD, April 19 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi parliament will convene a session on Thursday, assembly head Adnan Pachachi's office said on Wednesday.

    The long-awaited session, which was originally scheduled on Monday, was postponed due to an ongoing impasse among political leaders over the premiership of the country.

    The announcement of Thursday's session came shortly after embattled Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari refused to step down.  

    "Stepping down is absolutely not in my consideration. I can't understand how resigning ... would benefit the national interest,"Jaafari told a news conference.

    The Iraqi parliament convened for an inaugural session on March 16 in order to push the political process after a general elections last December.

    However, Shiite, Kurdish and Sunni political leaders have been at odds over who should be the next prime minister as Kurds and Sunnis oppose the Shiite alliance's choice of incumbent Jaafari for a second term.

    Jaafari is also facing opposition from some members within the Shiite bloc.  Enditem