Baghdad, Sept 26: Iraq's US-installed administration bade farewell to its first assassinated official today, remembering Governing Council member Akila al-Hashimi as a "martyr" for freedom and vowing to finish her work. An elaborate funeral procession stretching from Baghdad to the Muslim holy city of Najaf south of here was planned for Hashimi, who died yesterday of gunshot wounds suffered in an ambush last weekend.
The Governing Council, where Hashimi was one of three woman members and played a major role in promoting the fledgling pro-US leadership, hailed her as "martyr on the path of struggle for freedom and democracy". "We reiterate our commitment to continue on the same path and shall advance steadfastly with determination, and shall remain faithful in fulfilling our great nation's goals," the council said in a statement.
About 100 mourners gathered in the council's chambers today for a memorial service for Hashimi, whose car was attacked with a bomb and machine-gun fire last Saturday near her west Baghdad home. Pall bearers wept openly as the casket was brought into the chamber, covered in the Iraqi flag. Security was tight outside with US, British and Australian soldiers, and Nepalese Gurkhas keeping watch. Bureau Report