Iraq returns to self-rule two days early

Baghdad (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Two days earlier than planned, the US-led occupation authority has formally transferred authority to an interim Iraqi government. The transfer of sovereignty marks the end of the occupation started on the 9th April 2003, when the big statue of Saddam Hussein was pulled down. The transfer was scheduled for 30th June, but for security reasons authorities of the coalition decided to hand over the powers today.

"This is a historic day, a happy day, a day that all Iraqis have been looking forward to. This is the time when we take the country back into the international community," Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawir told the ceremony, held this morning in the heavily guarded Green Zone. "Before us is a challenge and a burden and we ask God almighty to give us the patience and guide us to take this country whose people deserves all goodness. May God protect Iraq and its citizens." said President Ghazi al-Yawer after taking his oath. 

During the ceremony, Iraq's US governor Paul Bremer, who has already left the country, handed a letter to Iraqi officials sealing the transfer of powers.

Hours after the handover, Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi placed his hand on the Quran and then promised to lead his people to a better future, warning the "forces of terror": "We will not forget who stood with us and against us in this crisis." Allawi also appealed for an end to attacks on police and security forces, saying: "The army is the Iraqi army, not the Saddam Army. They are our brothers and our sons."

Iraqi people still have a long way to go. According to the UN resolution, unanimously approved last 8th June, a transitional government will take office after elections by January 31, 2005; a permanent government will take office by January 31, 2006, after the drafting of a constitution and elections. (MR)

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