Members are split over the role of Islamic law, the form of a new political system and even how to select delegates to a constitutional convention, the newspaper reported, citing members of the US-selected Governing Council and others familiar with the process.

The newspaper said that Iraq's constitution panel was scheduled to present a report to the Governing Council on Tuesday.

Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Friday that he would like Iraqi leaders to produce a new constitution within a six-month period.

"Once they start their work, six months is an appropriate time," Powell said at a news conference at UN headquarters. He added that his proposal did not envision a precise deadline.

"It's impossible to do it in six months as Mr. Powell wants," council member Dara Noureddine was quoted as saying. "It's unreasonable. It takes more time than this -- much more."

The Bush administration regards a new constitution and subsequent elections as essential prerequisites to the end of the occupation and the exit of American troops, The Post said.

According to the newspaper, Iraqi leaders insisted that the entire process of drafting a new constitution can not be accomplished in less than a year.

"This is our future," Noureddine said. "This is for the next generation, not just for the next few years. One should not be hasty in formulating the constitution."