Special report: Tension escalates in Iraq

    BAGHDAD, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of Iraqi political blocs Wednesday formed a panel to resolve the dispute over the delay of passing the provincial election law, a source of the parliament said.

    "There was a meeting held today by Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani and the leaders of the political blocs, resulted in forming a six-member panel, headed by Mashhadani to reach a consensus over the article 24 which causes a delay in the election bill," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

    The panel which comprises representatives from Arab, Kurdish and Turkmen communities will meet later Wednesday to discuss the election process in the oil-rich province of Kirkuk, the source said.

    The article 24 stipulated that the Kurds, Arabs and Turkmens should rule the disputed province of Kirkuk equally.

    On July 22, the Iraqi parliament approved the controversial law despite the Kurds walked out protesting a secret vote exclusively held over the article 24.