Brahimi attends funeral for slain leader of Iraqi Governing Council

United Nations Special Adviser Lakhdar Brahimi today paid tribute to Ezz El-Din Salim, the head of the Iraqi Governing Council who was assassinated Monday, describing him as a true patriot who gave his life in service of his country.

Mr. Brahimi's remarks were delivered this morning in Baghdad at the funeral for Mr. Salim following speeches by the new head of the Council, Sheikh Ghazi el Yawer, and the chief of the United States-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), L. Paul Bremer.

Mr. Brahimi spoke to express his personal condolences and those of the United Nations to Mr. Salim's family. He explained that he had gotten to know Mr. Salim well over the last 10 days, calling him a true patriot who was acutely aware of the suffering and aspirations of his fellow Iraqis. Mr. Salim worked selflessly to restore sovereignty and rebuild his country, Mr. Brahimi said, but in the end he gave his life for his country.

Following the ceremony, which took place on the grounds of the Governing Council, Mr. Brahimi met with the governor of Al Anbar province, Abdel Karim Bergis. He also met with the head of Iraq's Central Bank, Sinan el-Chebibi.

Mr. Brahimi and his team then met with Ambassador Bremer and his advisers.