Developments in Iraq on May 22

May 22 (Reuters) - The following are security and political developments in Iraq on Monday as of 1215 GMT.

Asterisk denotes a new or updated item.

*JBELA - A roadside bomb targeting a police patrol killed three people and wounded six in the town of Jbela, 65 km (40 miles) south of Baghdad.

BAGHDAD - A car bomb went off in a crowded street in southeastern Baghdad, killing six civilians and wounding three, an army officer at the scene said. Police earlier said three people had died.

BAGHDAD - A car bomb went off near a market and health clinic in the capital's New Baghdad district killing three people and wounding 12, police sources said.

BAGHDAD - Gunmen killed a former Brigadier General in western Baghdad, an Interior Ministry source said. Two of his relatives were also killed, the source added.

JURF AL-SAKHAR - Four policemen were killed when a roadside bomb went off near a joint U.S. forces/Iraqi police patrol in Jurf al-Sakhar, about 85 km (53 miles) south of Baghdad, police said.

BALAD - Five bodies were taken to hospital in Balad, 80 km (50 miles) north of Baghdad, after clashes with insurgents that erupted in the nearby town of Dhuluiya on Sunday, a hospital source said.

POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

*BAGHDAD - British Prime Minister Tony Blair visited Iraq to demonstrate his support for Nuri al-Maliki, Iraq's new prime minister, flying in just two days after Maliki's national unity government was sworn in.

BAGHDAD - Iraq's parliament met for the first time after Saturday's swearing in of the new government. It was expected to vote on legislation regulating its internal work.

*BAGHDAD - The trial of Saddam Hussein and seven others accused of crimes against humanity resumed in Baghdad, with more defence witness statements. It was later adjourned until May 24.