08/03/2004
Straw welcomes signing of Iraqi interim constitution
The Foreign Secretary has welcomed the official signing of the interim constitutional document by the Iraqi governing council.
The signing ceremony took place in the capital Baghdad today and is the template for governance after the official handover of power from the US-led administration to the governing council in July.
The 25-member council each took it in turn to sign the document at the convention centre. The constitution – as the new Transitional Administrative Law – recognises Islam as the state religion, recognises equal rights and entitlements for all of Iraq's citizens and provides for a full election by December 31 2005.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said: "This is a significant achievement and I want to pay tribute to all parties to this agreement, for their patience and for the spirit of consensus in which they have negotiated it.
"This is the clearest demonstration to date of the strong desire to build a free, stable and democratic society in Iraq, despite the terrorist violence which seeks to deny the people of Iraq the future they want."
He added: "The transitional law opens with the words: 'We the Iraqi people, striving to reclaim our freedom....'
"A year ago, those words would have been unimaginable. The transitional law sets out the path Iraq will take to democracy. The people of Iraq will continue to have our full support as they work for their freedom."
(gmcg)
The signing ceremony took place in the capital Baghdad today and is the template for governance after the official handover of power from the US-led administration to the governing council in July.
The 25-member council each took it in turn to sign the document at the convention centre. The constitution – as the new Transitional Administrative Law – recognises Islam as the state religion, recognises equal rights and entitlements for all of Iraq's citizens and provides for a full election by December 31 2005.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said: "This is a significant achievement and I want to pay tribute to all parties to this agreement, for their patience and for the spirit of consensus in which they have negotiated it.
"This is the clearest demonstration to date of the strong desire to build a free, stable and democratic society in Iraq, despite the terrorist violence which seeks to deny the people of Iraq the future they want."
He added: "The transitional law opens with the words: 'We the Iraqi people, striving to reclaim our freedom....'
"A year ago, those words would have been unimaginable. The transitional law sets out the path Iraq will take to democracy. The people of Iraq will continue to have our full support as they work for their freedom."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 July 2004
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
28 July 2004
68 killed in Baquba suicide bomb
A car bomb outside a police station in northern Iraq has killed almost 70 people, it has been reported today. The BBC has reported that at least 68 people died when a suicide bomber detonated explosives – which had been packed into a minibus – amid a crowded marketplace in Baquba, which lies 40 miles north-east of the capital Baghdad.
68 killed in Baquba suicide bomb
A car bomb outside a police station in northern Iraq has killed almost 70 people, it has been reported today. The BBC has reported that at least 68 people died when a suicide bomber detonated explosives – which had been packed into a minibus – amid a crowded marketplace in Baquba, which lies 40 miles north-east of the capital Baghdad.
19 September 2003
Minister on two-day fact-finding mission to Iraq
International Development Minister Hilary Benn has embarked on a two-day visit to Iraq to see the "political, development and humanitarian challenges" facing Iraqi people.
Minister on two-day fact-finding mission to Iraq
International Development Minister Hilary Benn has embarked on a two-day visit to Iraq to see the "political, development and humanitarian challenges" facing Iraqi people.
29 January 2010
Blair Faces Iraq Inquiry
Tony Blair put forward his evidence to the Iraq Inquiry in London today. The former prime minister defended the decisions he made in the run up to the conflict, which deposed dictator Saddam Hussein. Mr Blair was quizzed by the panel, chaired by Sir John Chilcot, for around six hours.
Blair Faces Iraq Inquiry
Tony Blair put forward his evidence to the Iraq Inquiry in London today. The former prime minister defended the decisions he made in the run up to the conflict, which deposed dictator Saddam Hussein. Mr Blair was quizzed by the panel, chaired by Sir John Chilcot, for around six hours.
09 October 2009
Queen Honours Iraq Troops
A service was held today at St Paul's Cathedral to mark to contribution of UK troops who served in Iraq. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh led the ceremony, along with the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal. They gathered at the church to commemorate the 179 killed during the Gulf operation, which officially ended in April.
Queen Honours Iraq Troops
A service was held today at St Paul's Cathedral to mark to contribution of UK troops who served in Iraq. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh led the ceremony, along with the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal. They gathered at the church to commemorate the 179 killed during the Gulf operation, which officially ended in April.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.