Umm Qasr back under Iraqi control
The port of Umm Qasr in southern Iraq has become the first town to be handed back to the people since the Iraqi conflict.
The port was seized seven weeks ago, at the start of the war. A short official handover ceremony took place at Umm Qasr on Thursday led by British officers. Several hundred British soldiers are expected to withdraw from the city in the next few days.
Control of the port has been passed to a temporary town council of 12 local Iraqis, while elections for permanent council seats will be held on May 22nd.
American administrator Paul Bremer is overseeing the overall reconstruction of Iraq. However, the US government has pledged to hand over control to the Iraqi people as soon as possible.
Today’s news will be welcomed by the many critics of the US administration’s handling of Iraq.
However, a UN Resolution, drawn up by Britain, Spain and America, is due to be considered by the United Nations Security Council, calling for an end to trade sanctions against Iraq and giving the coalition greater powers over Iraqi oil and development than had been expected.
The port has a population of 45,000 and plays a vital role in the transportation of humanitarian aid. It was the first key post to fall to the coalition.
Public services have now been restored to Umm Qasr and a new local police force set up.
US and British forces in Iraq have been trying to encourage fledgling local governments. However, it has proved difficult to identify local leaders and find those that are willing to co-operate with the allies.
Many towns and cities have still not had essential services restored such as water, electricity and hospitals and in some parts of the country Shia religious leaders are maintaining a semblance of order
