Iraq Governing Council Member Shot In Baghdad

The driver was shot twice in the back, the official said, adding Hashimi’s condition was serious.

The BBC News Online reported, quoting hospital officials, that three of her bodyguards had also been injured in the attack.

Eyewitnesses said Hashimi was taken to Baghdad’s al-Yarmouk hospital and later moved in a U.S. military convoy to an American hospital in Baghdad airport.

AFP correspondent said that Khodeir Fadel Abbas, the Iraqi Health Minister in the cabinet appointed by the interim council, had accompanied the vehicle.

Hashimi’s relatives told IslamOnline.net that unknown gunmen hurled a hand grenade and then opened automatic gunfire at her car and the bodyguards’ jeep moments after she had left her house.

At least one or more suspects were arrested in the shooting which happened around 8:45 am (0445 GMT), the Iraqi official added.

Hashimi holds a doctorate in French literature and under ousted president Saddam Hussein worked in the public affairs department of the foreign ministry.

She was a member of the ousted Baathist Party and said to be close to former deputy prime minister Tareq Aziz.

On September 16, the Governing Council decided to send a delegation topped by Hashimi to the U.N. Security Council to attend debates on the new U.S.-sponsored Iraq resolution and hold talks with U.S. President George. W. Bush.