Garner holds open meeting in Iraq

The retired American general in charge of rebuilding post-war Iraq held an open meeting today to tell Baghdad residents about his efforts to bring stability to their country.

One of the most immediate issues facing retired Lt Gen Jay Garner was the claim by a recently returned Iraqi exile to be the new mayor of Baghdad.

Mohammed Mohsen al-Zubaidi’s claim to power is not recognised by Garner and his Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance, according to Garner’s deputy, British Maj Gen Tim Cross.

Al-Zubaidi and his deputies nonetheless claim US recognition and have begun trying to solidify power.

They have promised a 1,000% salary increase to all state employees.

Many of Baghdad’s residents, while welcoming the toppling of Saddam Hussein’s regime, are suspicious of Americans’ intentions in Iraq.

They also hope US troops and engineers can bring order to the capital, which was engulfed by looting and arson after Saddam’s fall.

Much of the Iraqi capital still lacks power, water and telephone service.

“If the Americans are not going to control Baghdad very quickly, we will have a serious problem,” said Macin Kadhim, a 60-year-old electrical engineer waiting outside the meeting site.

“The first thing I would like to hear is that something will be done in Baghdad to restore security.”

Garner received a polite but cool reception when he came to Baghdad on Monday.

He spent the next two days in Iraq’s northern Kurdish region, where he is widely admired for his work in protecting the Kurds in 1991 after a rebellion was put down by Saddam’s forces.

He is setting up his offices at Baghdad’s Republican Palace complex, once used by Saddam’s regime.