Before an audience of prominent Iraqi and American civilian and military officials, including the top administrator in Iraq, Paul Bremer, the 25 council members signed the document on an antique desk once owned by King Faisal I, Iraq's first monarch.

The charter -- which includes a 13-article bill of rights -- enshrines Islam as one of the bases of law and outlines the shape of a Parliament and presidency as well as a federal structure for the country. It will remain in effect until a permanent constitution is approved by a national referendum planned for late 2005.

Council President Mohammed Bahr al-Ulloum called the signing a "historic moment, decisive in the history of Iraq."

"There is no doubt that this document will strengthen Iraqi unity in a way never seen before," said Massoud Barzani, a Kurdish leader on the council. "This is the first time that we Kurds feel that we are citizens of Iraq."

The Japan Times Weekly: March 13, 2003
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