Iraq Council May Not Exist Past July

[underpants]

Iraq Council May Not Exist Past July
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&e=4&u=/ap/20031211/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_politics

BAGHDAD, Iraq - The U.S.-appointed Governing Council will not be allowed to exist beyond July 1, when a provisional Iraqi government with full sovereign powers takes office, coalition officials said, despite the desires of most council members to keep it going.

But some council members have said that calls for the continuation of the council beyond July 1 were primarily voiced by members concerned about losing influence or upsetting their political prospects if they must contest elections.

One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Nov. 15 agreement does not specify that there can't be a second chamber that will hold the "provisional government to account" even if it's not the Governing Council.

Under the agreement, the provisional government will give way to a democratically elected one in three steps: starting with a direct ballot in early 2005 for an assembly to draft a new constitution. Iraqis will vote twice more later that year to adopt the constitution in a referendum and to elect a democratic government.

Under the Nov. 15 agreement, the council is scheduled to complete by the end of February the draft of a "fundamental law" that will serve as an interim constitution.

The law, according to published guidelines, must protect human rights, freedom of worship and minority rights. It also will recognize Islam as the faith of the majority of Iraq's 25 million people.

The coalition fears that a rushed election could be hijacked by extremist Muslim groups or remnants of Saddam's Baath party. It contends that an elections law, new electoral district boundaries, an elections commission and an accurate voters' register must be in place before a direct vote can be held.

[0007]

1. Looks like a civil war is looming

The U.S. must hurry and install Ahmed Chalabi much like they did with Saddam Hussein in order to appease those 'no bid' contracts. And if that happens then the U.S. will need to double the size of troops in Iraq than what we have now. Look for a draft around next April.

[HawkerHurricane]

2. They've got to be protected

All thier rights respected
Until somebody we LIKE can be elected!
- Tom Lehrer, 'Send the Marines!'