Since the major Sunni party has suspended its participation in the talks, officials hope waiting a few days may allow tensions to recede.

Some Sunni parties also participate in the government, but without any real policy-making power.

American and Iraqi officials say they would like at least some of the Sunni parties to be included in a new government.

The agreement came as several Sunni parties, including one that led a broad movement to delay the elections for six months, registered to field candidates.

He threatened that Sunni parties might withdraw from the government if their concerns were not addressed.

The Sunni parties need to face practical political realities, starting with demographic math.

In protest, many of the Sunni parties have pulled out of the voting.

Among the dead were at least two legislators, both from Sunni parties.

One Sunni party suggested that the assassinations were supported by foreign political groups.

Sunni parties have complained that the election results were distorted by fraud.