Bombs welcome new Iraqi president

[DoYouEverWonder]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1229493,00.html

Wednesday June 2, 2004

The Bush administration last night attempted to regain the political initiative in Iraq after a day of high drama and backroom deals which started when the White House's preferred candidate for the post of the country's new president refused to accept the post.

<snip>

During a ceremony at one of Saddam Hussein's former palaces, which was punctuated by the sound of mortar bomb explosions nearby, the UN's special envoy to Iraq, Lakhdar Brahimi, introduced Sheikh Ghazi and other members of Iraq's new caretaker government, including the new prime minister, Dr Ayad Allawi.

<snip>

But yesterday's ceremony was marred by increased violence apparently directed at the new caretaker administration, which will remain in office until elections scheduled for early next year.

At least three people were killed and 20 wounded when a car bomb exploded outside the Baghdad office of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, close to the dilapidated palace where the new government was being sworn in. During the ceremony a mortar bomb landed nearby.

[acmavm]

1. Maybe they were just getting a 21-mortar salute.

.

[DoYouEverWonder]

2. It seems the Iraq's are sending

Condi & the gang a response in the form of a mushroom cloud.

[struggle4progress]

3. Iraq council disbands; CPA still in power

<snip>
After the selection of Ghazi Mashal Ajil al-Yawer to the largely ceremonial position, officials announced the entire interim government due to take power on June 30 — and the body moved quickly to begin its work. The U.S.-picked Governing Council decided to dissolve immediately to make way rather than wait until June 30.
<snip>

As word of al-Yawer's appointment was announced, a car bomb blew up outside the offices of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, which is located just outside the green zone U.S. coalition headquarters in central Baghdad.
<snip>

Iraq still needs the presence of U.S.-led forces "to help in defeating the enemies of Iraq," Allawi said at a welcoming ceremony for the new government. "We will enter into alliances with our allies to accomplish that."
<snip>

Coalition spokesman Dan Senor insisted the Americans had not shown a preference for Pachachi, a claim that many council members dismissed as untrue.
<snip>

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-06/02/content_1503563.htm