Changes to Iraqi electoral laws don't meet international standards, according to U.N. satement

The United Nations has expressed its concern to the Iraqi government that last-minute changes to the coutnry's electoral laws do not meet international standards, a U.N. spokesman said Tuesday.

U.N. officials have held meetings with Iraqi authorities and now understand that the changes are under review, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Sunni Arab leaders have threatened to boycott Iraq's Oct. 15 vote because of the new rules by the Shiite-led parliament, which make it nearly impossible for Sunnis to defeat it at the polls, the Ap reports. AM