Iraq parliament returns, but still no benchmark laws

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi lawmakers reconvened on Tuesday after a month-long summer recess, under mounting pressure to get legislation passed that Washington believes will help heal deep sectarian rifts in the country.

Iraq's leaders are expected to get poor marks over a series of political benchmarks Washington wants agreed when U.S. President George W. Bush's top officials report to Congress on September 10 on political and military progress in Iraq.

Parliament has not yet passed any of the benchmark laws, including measures that would equitably share oil revenues, ease restrictions on former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party holding public office, and set a date for provincial elections.

Lawmakers complain that the government has yet to submit the draft laws to them.

Parliament reconvened with 164 members and adjourned after about 90 minutes after lawmakers asked for time to read 10 bills that had been presented for their consideration, member of parliament Hussein al-Falluji told Reuters.

The 10 bills did not include any of the benchmark laws.

During an unannounced visit to Iraq on Monday, Bush met Iraq's prime minister, president and vice-presidents and urged them to "follow up" on the security gains made by his forces.

Bush said he took Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki aside at one stage and told him: "'You're my friend and ... you've made progress in your recent meetings and now's the time to get these laws passed. You've got hard work to do.' And you know what? He understands that."

U.S. officials have criticized Iraqi politicians for not matching the security progress that military commanders say has been achieved since Bush sent 30,000 more troops this year.