Garner holds 'town hall' meeting
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Power cuts, closed shops and mistust. CNN's Jim Clancy reports on life in Baghdad. (April 26)
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BAGHDAD (CNN) -- Jay Garner, the retired U.S. general named Iraq's civilian administrator, Monday took tentative steps toward an interim government for Iraq, convening a town hall-style meeting in Baghdad to hear from factions and citizens.
The event, sponsored by the U.S. Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance, attracted several hundred delegates, representing Iraq's political, ethnic and religious groups.
CNN's Rula Amin said topics could range from general frustration over the lack of services in many parts of the country to longer-ranging concerns over the future of a post-Saddam Hussein Iraq.
"This is going to be some kind of a town hall meeting where Garner is going to lay out his vision to Iraq," she added.
The meeting followed a Garner's televised statement to Iraqis Sunday, in which he explained his role.
"Hello, I'm Jay Garner. I'm here to help you rebuild your country and to turn your government into one that serves you," he said, emphasizing "you" with a finger pointed at the camera.
"Across Iraq, my staff is already hard at work. Most of you now have the electricity back on and many have clean water again in their homes. Hospitals are starting to get supplies and the services that they need to operate.
"Over the next few days and the next few weeks you will all see these services restored," he said.
Garner came to Baghdad on April 21 with only 19 aides, but his staff is to grow to 450.
He faces the challenging task of overseeing the rebuilding of a war-torn nation, the delivery of aid to 24 million people and establishment of an interim Iraqi government.
