Appointed Iraqi Council Assumes Limited Role

[kskiska]

Monday, July 14, 2003; Page A01

BAGHDAD, July 13 -- A group of 25 Iraqis from diverse political, ethnic and religious backgrounds stepped onto a stage and declared themselves a "governing council" today, taking the first step to define the country's political future by accepting an offer of limited power-sharing from the U.S.-led occupation authority.

The members -- who include former exiles, politicians, Muslim clerics, tribal leaders, social activists, physicians and lawyers -- were selected by the occupation authority to help run this country of 24 million people until sovereignty is handed over to an elected government. The council's responsibilities will include the operation of ministries, the appointment of diplomats, the approval of next year's budget and preliminary work to form a commission to draft a constitution.

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Although Bremer and his top political aides contend that the council's members represent a cross-section of the country and will have wide public support, it is not clear how Iraqis will react to a group that was handpicked by the occupation authority. While some Baghdad residents said they would adopt a wait-and-see attitude, others dismissed the group as American lackeys. "We cannot trust them," said Mohammed Abbas, an Oil Ministry employee who joined legions of Iraqis in watching the announcement of the council on live satellite television.
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A51738-2003Jul13.html?nav=hptop_tb