Written question asked by Joan Ruddock (Labour) on Monday, 23 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 June 2003. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 26 June 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 timescale he envisages for the establishment of the Iraqi council announced by Mr Paul Bremer; and what issues he expects to appear on the agenda of the council's first meeting.

Answer: Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what timescale he envisages for the establishment of the Iraqi council announced by Mr. Paul Bremer; and what issues he expects to appear on the agenda of the council's first meeting. [121973] Mr. Rammell: Ambassador Bremer's aim is for a political council to be established by the end of July. No decisions have been taken yet on how it will operate. Among the first issues we expect the political council to deal with are the appointment of interim Ministers; and the setting up of commissions to deal with issues such as judicial and economic reform.

Secondary information