Iraqi court orders parliament back to work

Iraq's highest court on Sunday ordered parliament back to work after a virtual seven-month recess, intensifying pressure to break the political stalemate that has held up formation of a new government.

The 325 lawmakers met only once since they were elected on March 7 for a session that lasted 20 minutes. The absent parliamentarians are earning $22,500 a month in salary and housing allowance far more than the average $800 monthly salary of an Iraqi professional. (AP)