Occupation abrogates national conference for direct rule with an Iraqi consultation council
Iraq-USA, Politics, 6/2/2003

The US occupation of Iraq has stepped its latest measure towards backtracking from previous promises and obligations, and the establishment of a direct rule where no Iraqis take part. This was reflected in the decision taken to abrogate the convening of the "national conference" and instead to appoint "a political council" within weeks in charge of providing advice and consultation to the occupation forces.

Senior officials in the occupation administration said that the "political council" which includes between 25 to 30 members will have a main mission of providing advice for the occupation administration in the economic and political fields.

They added that the council has to appoint advisors in various ministries, that will assume ministerial posts in a coming interim government and drafting a new constitution. The council will also help in drawing guidance policies in issues like education and trade.

One official said that "the council will be the representative for the Iraqi people in their relations with the Coalition Interim authorities." The officials did not explain how this council will be selected, but one of them said it will be "through consultations" with large groups of the Iraqis. Despite confirmation made by officials that this council will give the Iraqis a vaster authority in running the country, however they stressed that the main and basic decisions will remain in the hands of the occupation. No date was given to a time schedule to having this government formed.

The new decision was announced following a meeting held yesterday between the US administrator of Iraqi, Paul Bremer, and the (7 member council) which is composed of the Kurdistani national federation; the Kurdistani democratic party. Al-Dawa party, the higher council of the Islamic revolution, the national reconciliation, the national conference and a representative for the Sunnis in Iraq.

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