US marines deny Baghdad 'governor' appointed. 17/4/2003. ABC News Online US marines deny Baghdad 'governor' appointed
The US Marine Corp says no appointments of Iraqis had been made or sanctioned to lead the country's civil administration in the aftermath of war.
Public affairs officer Captain Joe Plenzler distanced the Marines from two Iraqis claiming to have been elected by local leaders as the mayor of Baghdad, and as an interim governor.
"Anyone declaring themself as mayor or anything else is just not true, the US government has not appointed anyone," Capt Plenzler said.
"Anyone can call themselves anything they want to, but future appointments like this will be handled through USAID."
USAID is Washington's chief agency for international development.
Mohammed Mohsen Zubeidi emerged on Wednesday local time as a self-appointed governor, claiming he was picked to lead an interim administration here by tribal and religious officials and with US consent.
Iraqi National Congress (INC) "General" Jaudat Obeidi also told a news conference that he had been selected mayor of Baghdad.
Screw it, now I'M the mayor of Baghdad!
The US Marine Corp says no appointments of Iraqis had been made or sanctioned to lead the country's civil administration in the aftermath of war.
Public affairs officer Captain Joe Plenzler distanced the Marines from two Iraqis claiming to have been elected by local leaders as the mayor of Baghdad, and as an interim governor.
"Anyone declaring themself as mayor or anything else is just not true, the US government has not appointed anyone," Capt Plenzler said.
"Anyone can call themselves anything they want to, but future appointments like this will be handled through USAID."
USAID is Washington's chief agency for international development.
Mohammed Mohsen Zubeidi emerged on Wednesday local time as a self-appointed governor, claiming he was picked to lead an interim administration here by tribal and religious officials and with US consent.
Iraqi National Congress (INC) "General" Jaudat Obeidi also told a news conference that he had been selected mayor of Baghdad.
Screw it, now I'M the mayor of Baghdad!
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