Baghdad, July 13: Iraq`s transitory governing council, the country`s first executive body formed since the fall of Saddam Hussein`s regime, will hold its inaugural session today in Baghdad, a UN official told media persons today. The meeting of the 25-member council will be held in the former ministry for military industry, which will become the council`s headquarters, near the former presidential palace where the US-led coalition is based.

"The members of the council will meet at 9:00 am (1030 IST), barring any last minute change of plan," the senior official said, asking not to be named.

One hour later, the council will invite top US civil administrator Paul Bremer, British envoy to Iraq John Sawyers and UN special representative Sergio Vieira de Mello "to announce that the council has been formed." The three international officials will then each address the body, which will act as Iraq`s executive pending elections not planned for at least one year, the source added.

The council is expected to have responsibility for appointing or sacking ministers and diplomats, approving a budget and appointing a body of up to 10 members to draw up a draft constitution.

"Two or three names are still under discussion, but everything is due to be settled during the course of the day," the official said.

Yesterday`s talks between Iraqi politicians and envoys from the coalition and the united nations focused on selecting council members. Bureau Report