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01/03/2004
Straw welcomes Iraq constitution agreement
The Foreign Secretary has welcomed the announcement this morning that the Iraqi Governing Council had agreed a new draft constitution.
The Transitional Administrative Law recognises the standing of Islamic law, as well as women's rights and the independence of the Kurdish-controlled north.
The temporary constitution sets out the powers and principles of the caretaker Iraqi government after handover from the Coalition Provisional Authority on the 30th June.
Jack Straw said that the announcement paved the way for a "new future for the people of Iraq".
He added: "The Iraqi Governing Council is to be congratulated for taking this important step and I look forward to a formal signing on Wednesday."
The agreement will see the creation of a president, a prime minister and a cabinet – and there could be a 25% quota of seats for women in the new legislature.
(gmcg)
The Transitional Administrative Law recognises the standing of Islamic law, as well as women's rights and the independence of the Kurdish-controlled north.
The temporary constitution sets out the powers and principles of the caretaker Iraqi government after handover from the Coalition Provisional Authority on the 30th June.
Jack Straw said that the announcement paved the way for a "new future for the people of Iraq".
He added: "The Iraqi Governing Council is to be congratulated for taking this important step and I look forward to a formal signing on Wednesday."
The agreement will see the creation of a president, a prime minister and a cabinet – and there could be a 25% quota of seats for women in the new legislature.
(gmcg)
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Minister on two-day fact-finding mission to Iraq
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12 December 2003
Coalition strategy led to hundreds of Iraqi civilian deaths: report
Hundreds of civilian deaths could have been avoided during the US-led invasion of Iraq had the military not used cluster bombs and indulged in opportunistic decapitation strikes against regime leaders, according to the UN's Human Rights Watch.
Coalition strategy led to hundreds of Iraqi civilian deaths: report
Hundreds of civilian deaths could have been avoided during the US-led invasion of Iraq had the military not used cluster bombs and indulged in opportunistic decapitation strikes against regime leaders, according to the UN's Human Rights Watch.
15 July 2003
Iraqi governing council set up
A new civilian governing council has been established in Baghdad with members drawn from Shi'ite, Sunni and secular backgrounds. The council, which consists of 25 members, said that it would serve as an "expression of the national Iraqi will in the wake of the collapse of the former oppressive regime".
Iraqi governing council set up
A new civilian governing council has been established in Baghdad with members drawn from Shi'ite, Sunni and secular backgrounds. The council, which consists of 25 members, said that it would serve as an "expression of the national Iraqi will in the wake of the collapse of the former oppressive regime".
25 October 2005
Iraqi people vote in new constitution
The people of Iraq have voted in favour of the new constitution, it has been announced. The results of the October 15 vote showed that 78% of voters backed the constitution, while 21% voted against it, the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq announced. Voter turnout was 63%.
Iraqi people vote in new constitution
The people of Iraq have voted in favour of the new constitution, it has been announced. The results of the October 15 vote showed that 78% of voters backed the constitution, while 21% voted against it, the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq announced. Voter turnout was 63%.
26 September 2003
Straw pays tribute to murdered Iraqi council member
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has praised murdered Iraqi governing council member Dr Akila al Hashimi as a leading player in "the rebirth of Iraq". Dr Hashimi died earlier today following a gun attack near her home last week.
Straw pays tribute to murdered Iraqi council member
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has praised murdered Iraqi governing council member Dr Akila al Hashimi as a leading player in "the rebirth of Iraq". Dr Hashimi died earlier today following a gun attack near her home last week.
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