Baghdad's self-proclaimed 'Mayor' promises Islamic laws

The man who has proclaimed himself mayor of Baghdad vowed yesterday that anyone from the former regime found to have been responsible for atrocities against the Iraqi people would be prosecuted by the new government. He also said that the new country's constitution would be based on Islamic law.

Mohammed Mohsen al-Zubaidi, a long-time exile and deputy leader of the Iraqi National Congress, said the new government would try "anyone whose hands are stained with the blood of the Iraqi people".

However, the INC's leader, Ahmed Chalabi, said he did not envisage an Islamic theocracy in Iraq. "There is a role for Islamic religious parties, for they have some constituencies," he said. "But they are not going to be forcing any agenda or forcing a theocracy on the Iraqi people. They are committed to being part of the electoral process."

Mr Chalabi called for US troops to be kept in Iraq until elections, a process that could take up to two years.

He spoke as US Marines started pulling out of Baghdad, handing over the job of maintaining order to US Army soldiers. They have the assistance of the newly recreated Iraqi police force to hold the situation until an interim civil administration is established, due to be headed by the retired US General Jay Garner.

Mr Zubaidi said: "We have met with lawmen to create laws, and to open the courts so that life can begin to take on legitimacy. The security situation in Baghdad is considered first priority in our agenda."

Mr Zubaidi said that 22 committees had been established to oversee the civil administration of the city. He also urged people who worked for the country's ministries – the premises of many of which have been severely damaged by looters and arsonists – to return to work this week.

He predicted that radio, television and the Iraqi News Agency would all be operating by today. Quite where Mr Zubaidi's authority comes from – or if he has any at all – is unclear. The hotel coffee shop where he made his announcements at a press conference yesterday morning did not contain any members from the US forces, which are currently in control of the city.

"I was chosen by tribal leaders and educated people, the doctors of the city and other prominent figures," Mr Zubaidi claimed. "We are not a transitional government. We are an executive committee to run Baghdad."

His press attaché is a former intelligence officer from President Saddam's regime.