BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhuanet) -- In 1925 Iraq had a permanent constitution which was endowed by the monarch. It continued to be valid until 1958 when it was canceled as a result of a coup that made the country a republic.

    The revolution established an interim constitution. Ever since,Iraq has been ruled with interim constitutions. Following are the key points of some major interim constitution versions:

    July 1958: Iraq is an inalienable part of the Arab Nation. The Republic of Iraq is a sovereign state, independent and free. The people are the source of authority. There shall be no differentiation in the rights of Iraqis before the law, whatever differences may exist in language, race or creed. Islam is the state religion. The city of Baghdad is the capital of Iraq.

    May 1964: The Republic of Iraq is based on Arab tradition and Islamic doctrines. Its basic objective is the realization of one Arab State. Islam is the state religion. Public and private ownership shall be safeguarded.

    September 1968: Iraq is a "People's Democratic Republic." "Islam is the state religion." The political economy of the state is founded on socialism. The state protects private ownership. Thepost of prime minister is canceled. The President of Iraq is the head of state, the general commander of the armed forces and the chairman of the Council of Command of the Revolution (RCC) -- the highest authority in the country.

    July 1970: The state should "develop socialism on the basis of science and revolution."

    September 1995: The President of Iraq should be directly elected instead of being selected through nomination. Election comprises three stages: nomination of the RCC, adoption of the parliament and referendum. The president holds a tenure of seven years and can be re-elected. Enditem