KUFA, Iraq, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- The Coalition Provisional Authority and Iraq Governing Council seemed unconcerned Saturday over a Shiite cleric's vow to make Iraq an Islamic state.
Muqtada al-Sadr said during a sermon in Kufa that his government would be in effect beginning at sundown Saturday, CNN reported.
In a statement, Sadr said his Islamic government would include ministries of justice, finance, information, culture, endowment, interior, foreign affairs, religious guidance and defense.
While the CPA had no comment, the Iraq Governing Council dismissed Sadr's declaration, CNN said.
"This is a free Iraq, this is the new Iraq, this is democratic Iraq," Moafak al-Rubayi said. "We maintain the freedom for everybody. People can speak anything they like as long as within the law."
The council was expected to discuss Sadr's proclamation during a special session Monday, CNN said.
"The Governing Council is the representative for Iraqis at this stage," a spokesman said. "And the Governing Council is the only group authorized to appoint ministers and has done so."
