BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraq’s prime minister announced a new plan Monday aimed at ending the deepening crisis between Shiite and Sunni parties in his government and uniting them behind the drive to stop sectarian killings that have bloodied the country for months.
The plan, which emerged after talks between both sides, aims to resolve disputes by giving every party a voice in how security forces operate against violence on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood level.
Local committees – made up of representatives of every party, religious and tribal leaders and security officials – will be formed in each Baghdad district to consult on security efforts. A Sunni representative, for example, could raise a complaint if he feels police are not pursuing a Shiite militia after an attack.
“We have taken the decision to end sectarian hatred once and for all,” Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told reporters.
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