Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.Members of Iraq's major political parties met with American officials Saturday to hammer out what they hoped were the final touches on a new Iraqi Governing Council, the first step toward broad democratic reforms, Iraqi political leaders said.
The meeting came after a series of private meetings between Iraqis and U.S. officials this week and a key meeting Thursday in which the Americans presented a two-page outline of the authorities and powers to be given to the new council. Although far less independent than a once-promised interim government, the council would have significant decision-making abilities.
The Iraqis had once hoped that within months of the fall of Saddam Hussein, the U.S.-led occupying force would create conditions to allow a provisional government to form. Those hopes were dashed last month and the Iraqis are now settling for what U.S. envoy Paul Bremer had called a "governing council."
Iyad Alawi, head of the Iraqi National Accord, said Saturday that the Iraqis were pleasantly surprised by the American outline. Iraqi political leaders had been ready to reject the U.S. plan outright if there had not been enough authority for Iraqis to decide how the nation should move toward democracy, he said.
"What the Americans have done right, really, is tremendous," Alawi said. "It's a turning point in our history. The problem is: Their job is not finished. Saddam's nerve center is preserved, and the Americans need to focus on that." ---
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