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'Protest' move: Iraqi Shia leader promises new govt: 

In yet another sign from the Iraqi people that they want the Americans out, a prominent Shi'ite leader has said he has formed a new government rejecting the American occupation.

NDTV Correspondent

Saturday, October 11, 2003 (Baghdad): (NDTV Correspondent) In yet another sign from the Iraqi people that they want the Americans out, a prominent Shi'ite leader has said he has formed a new government rejecting the American occupation. 

One of Iraq's most powerful religious leaders, Moqtada al Sadr, said during yesterday's Friday prayers that he would form a new government today. 

He promised that the government will be a republic without terrorism and without occupation. It will include a ministry of religious endowment, apart from regular ones like finance and foreign affairs.

Snub to US

The underlying and not-too-subtle message was directed at the American-led occupying forces that Iraqis were perfectly capable of running their country. 

And the announcement is a clear sign rejecting Iraq's governing council. 

With Shi'ites making up 60 per cent of Iraq's population, so far repressed by the Sunni-dominated Saddam regime, the Shi'ite leader enjoys enormous influence.

"Although this declaration will be dangerous for me, I have established and created a new government, with new ministers. Our new country will be dignified, free and will give people their rights," Sadr said.

US indifferent

The US, on its part, doesn't appear to be paying much attention to Sadr's pronouncement. 

Secretary of State Colin Powell says his priority remains a new UN resolution - one which Security Council members like France hope will have a clear mention of how power will be transferred to Iraqis. 

"I spent most of my day today on the resolution, working on language. I talked to a number of my colleagues, I'll be talking to more of them this afternoon and evening. I think we're making some progress," Powell said.

More trouble in Iraq

While it's still unclear what Sadr's next move will be, the declaration of a rival government is likely to add to the growing American headache of governing Iraq. 

His comments come amidst growing signs of discontent in Baghdad, which has witnessed huge demonstrations against the US-led coalition forces in the past days, leading to the death of two US soldiers and two Iraqis in Baghdad.

The US is already finding it hard to control protests and keep casualties low, but the Shi'ite leader's call could provide momentum to more protests.