Iraq takes first step towards self-rule

Guardian Newspapers Limited

After weeks of difficult negotiations, the US-led authority in Iraq is expected to announce the country's first postwar government tomorrow in an attempt to make good on prewar promises to cede power to Iraqis as soon as possible after the fall of Saddam Hussein.

Although the names for the "governing council" have not been finalised, a senior coalition official said it would comprise 25 members drawn from all sections of Iraqi society - Kurds, Shia, Sunnis, Turkomans and Christians - and would be granted "extensive executive powers". There will be three or four women on the new body.

The United Nations' top official in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, has given the new body his blessing, saying he will attend its launch to give it international legitimacy. ---

At first glance, the broad powers to be assumed by the council appear a far cry from the anaemic-sounding "advisory" body touted by Mr Bremer when he took up his post as chief administrator in Iraq almost two months ago.

Nevertheless the council is likely to face the inevitable criticisms that it is little more than a US puppet. ---

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