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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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19 September 2003
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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%.
08 March 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.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
