PRESS RELEASE

COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

SOUTHERN REGION

13 July 2003

PR No. 008

SOUTHERN LEADERS ENDORSE THE BAGHDAD GOVERNING COUNCIL

The Deputy Governor of Basra Province, police Brigadier Ameed Meyhour Kherala, and the Mayors of Al-Amara, [Nasiriya and Samawa] have issued this joint statement:

“We welcome the formation of an Iraqi national Governing Council and offer it our unreserved support.  This is a major step toward self governance by Iraqis.  We are particularly pleased that, for the first time, the South has a voice in national affairs in the distinguished persons of Izzeldin Saleem, Abu Hatim and Judge Wael Abdelaetif.  We wish them well in their important work.”

NOTES FOR EDITORS

This statement has been issued on behalf of the senior Iraqi officials described above and has been agreed by them.