Iraq reschedules nationwide census for October 2010 to give time to settle ethnic tensions

Iraq reschedules nationwide census for Oct. 2010

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government has rescheduled a nationwide census for Oct. 24, 2010 after postponing the survey to allow time for ethnic and political tensions to settle.

Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh says a committee will be established to resolve the differences over holding the census in areas disputed by Arabs and Kurds in the north.

Al-Dabbagh said Tuesday that representatives from central government and self-ruled Kurdish region will sit on the committee.

The first nationwide census in more than two decades had been scheduled for this October but was delayed when lawmakers expressed fear it could stoke ethnic and sectarian tensions that have caused much bloodshed in Iraq.