31.01.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Grouping of Free Iraqis ("original document (English)") [ID 9962]

"Reportedly established in 1978 and reemerged in October 2003. Led by Faris Kahrdi, the group supports the return of the monarchy to Iraq and "views the change that took place on 14 July 1958, which removed the monarchy, as the beginning of the deterioration of political life in Iraq," London's "Al-Hayat" reported in October 2003. Kahrdi told "Al-Hayat" that although his group supports the monarchy, it is not opposed to a Republican system of governance. He also calls for a constitution to guarantee the rights of all Iraqis. He said the constitution should be drafted by a board of clerics, intellectuals, and the judiciary, and that a free and fair referendum should be held to ratify the constitution. The group rejected the formation of the Iraqi Governing Council, apparently because the United Nations did not play a role in the construction of the council."

Document(s): original document (English)