Iraqi Government Takes Control Of Last 11 Ministries

Prime Minister Allawi's cabinet now controls all ministries (file photo) 24 June 2004 -- Western advisers completed handing over Iraq's remaining government ministries to Iraqis today, six days before the scheduled end of the U.S.-led occupation.

The final 11 of 25 coalition-run ministries relinquished include Defense, Interior, and Justice.

Iraqi ministers now oversee more than 1 million government workers. About 200, mainly American and British, advisers remain as consultants.

Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi is expected to take control of the country on 30 June from the U.S. administrator in Iraq, L. Paul Bremer, although a U.S.-led multinational force will remain for security reasons.

(AP)