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Marathon Iraq talks in US Senate Marathon Iraq talks in US Senate
(about 1 hour later)
The US Senate is preparing to hold an all-night session as the Democrats seek to pass legislation requiring an early withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.The US Senate is preparing to hold an all-night session as the Democrats seek to pass legislation requiring an early withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.
Beds, pillows and snacks have been brought into the Senate building, where votes will be held through the night.Beds, pillows and snacks have been brought into the Senate building, where votes will be held through the night.
The Democrats hope to push wavering Republicans to break ranks. They have so far been unable to raise the 60 votes needed to move to a final vote.The Democrats hope to push wavering Republicans to break ranks. They have so far been unable to raise the 60 votes needed to move to a final vote.
Republican leaders have dismissed the round-the-clock session as theatrics.Republican leaders have dismissed the round-the-clock session as theatrics.
They say the Democrats are simply seeking to placate anti-war activists who have criticised the party for its lack of progress on changing course in Iraq since last year's mid-term elections.They say the Democrats are simply seeking to placate anti-war activists who have criticised the party for its lack of progress on changing course in Iraq since last year's mid-term elections.
'Real thing''Real thing'
The legislation at stake, proposed by Democratic senators Carl Levin and Jack Reed, would require the withdrawal of most US troops from Iraq by the end of April 2008, with redeployment starting within 120 days of the bill's passage.The legislation at stake, proposed by Democratic senators Carl Levin and Jack Reed, would require the withdrawal of most US troops from Iraq by the end of April 2008, with redeployment starting within 120 days of the bill's passage.
President Bush says Congress should wait for a September report Beds, pillows and snacks have been brought in for the marathon session
The vote to bring debate to an end and move to a final ballot on passage of the bill is due to take place on Wednesday.The vote to bring debate to an end and move to a final ballot on passage of the bill is due to take place on Wednesday.
But because the Republicans are using a procedural measure to insist on 60 votes for victory rather than a simple majority of the Senate's 100 members, the Democrats are unlikely to succeed.But because the Republicans are using a procedural measure to insist on 60 votes for victory rather than a simple majority of the Senate's 100 members, the Democrats are unlikely to succeed.
After months of stalemate on the issue of Iraq policy, Democrat Richard Durbin said it was "time for a taste of the real thing".After months of stalemate on the issue of Iraq policy, Democrat Richard Durbin said it was "time for a taste of the real thing".
Opening the round-the-clock debate, he said: "The Senate spending a sleepless night is no great sacrifice. Soldiers and families who pray for them spend many sleepless nights."Opening the round-the-clock debate, he said: "The Senate spending a sleepless night is no great sacrifice. Soldiers and families who pray for them spend many sleepless nights."
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said: "It's perfectly fine with us to stay here today and this evening."Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said: "It's perfectly fine with us to stay here today and this evening."
Anti-war vigilAnti-war vigil
Senator John McCain, the most senior Republican on the Armed Services Committee, has backed Mr Bush's strategy.Senator John McCain, the most senior Republican on the Armed Services Committee, has backed Mr Bush's strategy.
Mr McCain warned that "a precipitous withdrawal of US troops would lead to a blood bath" and would be seen by extremists as a victory over the US.Mr McCain warned that "a precipitous withdrawal of US troops would lead to a blood bath" and would be seen by extremists as a victory over the US.
Anti-war demonstrators are to hold a candle-lit vigil outside the Senate as the marathon debate goes on.Anti-war demonstrators are to hold a candle-lit vigil outside the Senate as the marathon debate goes on.
Although a handful of Republican senators have defected over President George W Bush's war policy, most continue to back the White House.Although a handful of Republican senators have defected over President George W Bush's war policy, most continue to back the White House.
Mr Bush has called on Congress to wait until a 15 September progress report on the surge strategy, under which some 30,000 extra troops have been deployed, before considering a change in direction.Mr Bush has called on Congress to wait until a 15 September progress report on the surge strategy, under which some 30,000 extra troops have been deployed, before considering a change in direction.
An interim report released last week showed limited progress, particularly on the part of the Iraqi government.An interim report released last week showed limited progress, particularly on the part of the Iraqi government.