Sunni opposition threatens a divisive political fight in the run-up to the referendum, sabotaging Washington's hopes that the constitution would serve to unite Iraq's population, lure the minority away from the insurgency, and hasten the day US and other foreign soldiers could go home.
Iraqi authorities also plan to delay the start of Hussein's first trial until four days after the referendum to avoid further polarization, a judicial official said on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to talk to the press.
With the stakes so high, the United States has been pushing the factions to continue efforts to overcome differences, even though the law forbids further changes in the draft.
''Discussions are underway to make minor changes in the language to improve the text to satisfy some parties," Shi'ite negotiator Khalid al-Attiyah said.
Sunni Arab and Kurdish negotiators confirmed talks were continuing, but a Western diplomat cautioned against speculation of dramatic changes.
''We understand there is ongoing dialogue between Sunni negotiators and the Shi'ites and Kurds," said the diplomat, who declined to be identified because he was not authorized to comment on the process. ''We don't have the specifics of what is being negotiated, but we know they are discussing language changes and slight modifications that would bring the sides closer."
In mostly Shi'ite Basra, Iraq's second-largest city, an estimated 5,000 people marched in support of the constitution, carrying banners saying it would bring ''freedom and justice." But about 2,000 mostly Sunnis staged an anti-constitution rally in Tikrit, Hussein's hometown. A smaller anti-constitution rally was held outside a Sunni mosque in Ramadi.
