- Iraq's Governing Council has signed an interim constitution,
despite the reservations of the country's Shi'ite population.
-
- Last minute doubts from the Shi'ite community forced
a withdrawal of support for the constitution on Friday and a weekend of
intense discussion with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in the holy city
of Najaf.
-
- Ayatolla Ali al-Sistani wields great influence over Iraqi
Shi'ites, who make up 60 per cent of the population.
-
- He is said to still have grave reservations about the
constitution, but believes it is necessary for the purpose of political
transition.
-
- The constitution was also delayed by bomb attacks last
week which killed at least 180 people.
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- Coalition forces would see an Iraqi government begin
ruling on June 30, with elections for a transitional assembly to be held
by the end of January.
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- * A mortar attack by guerrillas on a police station in
Baghdad coincided with the signing ceremony.
-
- Two police officers and three civilians were injured
in the explosions, while one of the mortars hit a nearby house, smashing
windows and blowing a hole in its side.
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- © Copyright of Telegraph Group Limited 2004.
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