IRAQ: New Violence Triggered by Preliminary Results of Parliamentary Elections

After the December 15 elections, which took place without any significant incidents, Iraq witnesses once again terrorist attacks aimed at the Shiite population.

Ten Iraqi policemen and soldiers lost their lives yesterday in an area north of Baghdad, when guerilla forces stormed a checkpoint, Reuters informed.

Baghdad was also harmed by the attacks, the explosions of four car bombs killing five and wounding other fifteen.

The incidents came shortly after three political groups threatened a wave of protests and civilian disobedience if the fraud charges are not properly investigated.

"We will resort to peaceful options, including protests, civil disobedience and a boycott of the political process until our demands are met," Hassan Zaidan al-Lahaibi, of the Sunni-dominated Iraqi Front for National Dialogue, told the AP.

Sunni Arabs and secular Shiite factions demand an international review for more than 1,500 complaints, and in some provinces, including Baghdad, fresh elections are desired.

According to the preliminary results of the December 15 elections, the United Iraqi Alliance Party, Shiite group dominating the current government, has won most of the parliamentary seats. However, in order to govern, the United Iraqi Alliance Party will have to ally with Sunni parties and Shiite ones, the AP also say.