January 3, 2005
Iraqi election officials quit over death threats

BAGHDAD

election committee officials in charge of organizing the upcoming Iraqi general elections in the northern city of Baiji quit on Sunday after some of them received death threats.

"We all resigned".

They said the election was illegitimate because it will take place under occupation," said Mohammad Shahran, president of the 12-member Baiji Higher Electoral Commission. He gave no details about the threats.

Anti-US insurgents are active in Baiji, where one of Iraq's most important oil refineries is based. Earlier on Sunday, guerrillas in the nearby town of Sharqat blew up a local government building due to serve as a polling center.

Insurgents have also severely disrupted the imports of goods and refined oil products from neighboring Turkey.

The general elections are scheduled for Jan. 30.

January 3, 2005