Written question asked by Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 12 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with (a) US authorities and (b) the Coalition Provisional Authority about the establishment in Iraq of a representative body similar to the Loya Jirga in Afghanistan to replace the Iraqi Governing Council.

Answer: Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with (a) US authorities and (b) the Coalition Provisional Authority about the establishment in Iraq of a representative body similar to the Loya Jirga in Afghanistan to replace the Iraqi Governing Council. [138891] Mr. Rammell: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has had frequent meetings with US authorities and representatives of the Coalition Provisional Authority, at which a range of issues relating to Iraq are discussed. The formation of the future government of Iraq is a matter for the Iraqis. On 15 November, Jalal Talabani, President of the Iraqi Governing Council, announces a new plan for establishing a Transitional National Assembly formed through democratic caucus elections at provincial and local levels. At this point, the IGC will dissolve. There will also be an elected Constitutional Convention, leading to full national elections for a new representative Iraqi Government by the end of 2005.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 138891; 413 c1307W;413 c1303W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Democracy Elections Iraq Peacekeeping operations Politics and government
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk