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Shiites rally for big role in Iraq councils
Baghdad, June 21: Around 2,000 people rallied at the headquarters of the us civil authority in Baghdad today demanding a major role for the top shiite Muslim authority in setting up local councils.
Baghdad, June 21: Around 2,000 people rallied at the headquarters of the us civil authority in Baghdad today demanding a major role for the top shiite Muslim authority in setting up local councils.
The US-led administration is currently laying the groundwork for interim councils charged with local services and working with coalition forces to rebuild a country shattered and left in chaos by war and extensive looting.
Demonstrators handed a petition to the administration, now based in a former presidential palace in Baghdad, demanding that the Hawza Shiite authority play a supervisory role in the rapid establishment of local councils.
It also demanded that the top authority supervise the formation of an Iraqi government - not expected for atleast one year - as well as "the release of those held by the US administration, the rapid flow of humanitarian aid and for coalition forces to change their attitude toward Iraqis."
Anger seethes on the streets of Baghdad over the slow return of basic services, pulverised in three weeks of relentless bombing, with power cuts still commonplace and water pipes and sewerage still not repaired.
The demonstration passed off peacefully, an newsperson reported, in contrast with a protest at the compound on Wednesday by former Iraqi soldiers furious at not being paid. US troops opened fire after stone-throwing, killing two Iraqis.
Bureau Report
Demonstrators handed a petition to the administration, now based in a former presidential palace in Baghdad, demanding that the Hawza Shiite authority play a supervisory role in the rapid establishment of local councils.
It also demanded that the top authority supervise the formation of an Iraqi government - not expected for atleast one year - as well as "the release of those held by the US administration, the rapid flow of humanitarian aid and for coalition forces to change their attitude toward Iraqis."
Anger seethes on the streets of Baghdad over the slow return of basic services, pulverised in three weeks of relentless bombing, with power cuts still commonplace and water pipes and sewerage still not repaired.
The demonstration passed off peacefully, an newsperson reported, in contrast with a protest at the compound on Wednesday by former Iraqi soldiers furious at not being paid. US troops opened fire after stone-throwing, killing two Iraqis.
Bureau Report