Iraq electoral law passes, setting up national vote

BAGHDAD -- Iraq's parliament passed on Sunday a long-delayed law in a crucial step to setting up nationwide elections, and the head of the electoral commission said he did not expect any major delays in the vote planned for January.

The decision appeared to resolve a key sticking point -- who will be allowed to vote in the disputed, oil-rich city of Kirkuk. U.S. Ambassador Christopher Hill could be seen shuttling between various political factions in the hours leading up to the passage of the law, in an indication of Washington's concern that a delay in the election could hold up the American troop withdrawal from Iraq.

President Obama, speaking at the White House, welcomed the new legislation.

"This is an important milestone as the Iraqi people continue to take responsibility for their future. I want to congratulate Iraq's leaders for reaching this agreement," Obama said. AP