Iraq leaders reach consensus on some benchmarks

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's top Shi'ite, Sunni and Kurdish political leaders reached consensus on some U.S. benchmarks on Sunday that are seen as crucial to healing the deep rifts in the country, Iraqi officials said.

Three Iraqi officials said the leaders had signed an agreement that would ease curbs on former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath party joining the civil service and military.

Two of the officials also said consensus had been reached on holding provincial elections and releasing many detainees held without charge across the country.