Iraq's interim government denied a report that Iyad...

Iraq's interim government denied a report that Iyad Allawi, the prime minister, had personally executed six suspected insurgents in May, just days before America handed over power. Allawi's office dismissed the allegations as rumours instigated by enemies of his government and said that he had never visited the centre. Taha Hussein, a spokesman, said the prime minister did not even carry a gun. "He is the prime minister of Iraq, not a combatant in need of weaponry," he added. "We face these sorts of allegations on a regular basis. Numerous groups are attempting to hinder what the interim Iraqi government is on the verge of achieving." Paul McGeough, the journalist who wrote the report, said he stood by his story, which was based on separate accounts by witnesses questioned independently of each other. He has since left Iraq. "If you have a story like this, it's not a good idea to remain in the country," McGeough told Australian television.