(Reuters) A U.S.-backed Iraqi Governing Council held its inaugural meeting Sunday, stressing the start of a new era by abolishing national holidays that honored Saddam Hussein and creating a new one to mark his downfall. The 25-member interim council has the ability to appoint ministers, approve the national budget, and review laws, although ultimate authority remains with the occupying powers.
2003-07-14 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive