Iraq's Sunni-backed lawmakers return to parliament

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq's parliament has reconvened as Sunni-backed lawmakers ended their boycott to protest persecution of Sunni officials.

The Sunni-backed Iraqiya bloc had banned lawmakers and government ministers from parliament and Cabinet sessions last month after the Shiite-led government issued an arrest warrant for the Sunni Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi on terrorism charges.

The boycott brought government work to a standstill.

Iraqiya leaders lifted the parliament ban on Sunday but said their ministers will stay away from a weekly Cabinet meeting, also set for Tuesday.

Iraq's political crisis has been accompanied by a surge in attacks since the U.S. troops left in December. More than 200 people have been killed in bombings this month.