§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they agree with Ayatollah Ali Sistani's proposal that the Iraqi constitutional assembly should be elected, and that its recommendations should be put to the Iraqi people for their approval in a referendum; and, if so, what arrangements they will seek to make for this purpose. [HL3833]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe Coalition Provisional Authority is consulting widely about a process for establishing a new constitution. There is no consensus yet. Ideas include a preparatory constitutional commission and a constituent assembly elected from the governorates. The eventual draft constitution might be put forward for approval through a referendum but this will be for the Iraqi interim authority to decide.