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Iraqis map out country's future
Iraqis across the political spectrum said yesterday they would try to set up an interim government in one month as the US pledged to bring democracy to Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein. Around 250 delegates reached agreement to hold a national congress within four weeks that would elect the first Iraqi government after the fall of Saddam's 24-year reign. "Hopefully, we will have this national meeting that will select or elect the interim authority," said Zalmay Khalilzad, the top US envoy to Iraq's emerging political movements. The announcement came as sharp divisions emerged between exiles who have lived away from Iraq for years, who favour a quick US exit, and locals who suffered under Saddam and are doubtful over their preparedness to lead the nation. "It is our responsibility to start the process of the birth of democracy in Iraq here today," said retired US general Jay Garner, the man in charge of Iraq until a new government is formed. Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2003-04-29 |
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