Iraq: Iraq's interim Prime Minister, Mr Iyad Allawi, has imposed a night curfew on Baghdad for an indefinite period.
It said the curfew would be in force from 10.30 p.m. to 4 a.m., local time, with effect from yesterday.
The move follows the introduction on Sunday of a 60-day state of emergency throughout most of the Gulf country, a measure that endows the prime minister with more powers.
The curfew was imposed on the capital following a spate of attacks in recent days, including a series of car bomb blasts on Monday in which a church, a hospital and a convoy on the main road to the airport were all attacked.
A night curfew was enforced in Baghdad late last year, but was lifted when it was thought that the security situation in the country was improving.
As the battle for Falluja raged yesterday, Mr Allawi also sought to put in place the rudiments of local government there for when the fighting subsides.
He appointed the head of Iraq's forces in the city as temporary military governor of the province, the most rebellious in the country.
Major General Abdul Qader Mohammed Jassim will remain in his post until a civilian administration for the western Anbar province, which incorporates Falluja, is established when the military operations end, a statement from Mr Allawi's office said.
Mr Allawi urged insurgents again to lay down their weapons to spare the rest of the city from fighting and bombardment - a plea that had no discernable effect yesterday.
"A peaceful settlement in Falluja remains possible and we could still at this stage spare the rest of the city from the military confrontation," the statement said.
"The Iraqi security forces and Iraqi police force remain ready to enter peacefully and take control of the city, provided that the insurgents and terrorists lay down their arms," the statement continued. - (Reuters)