UNITED NATIONS, June 3 (Xinhuanet) -- Iraq's Independent ElectoralCommission, an autonomous body that will guide the country towardspolling set for January 2005, has been formed Friday in Baghdad, aUN spokesman said.

    "Earlier this morning in Baghdad, the head of the UN electoral team, Carina Perelli, announced that an agreement had been reachedon the electoral framework for Iraq," UN spokesman Fred Eckhard told a press briefing in New York.

    The commission includes eight members of the Independent Electoral Commission and the Chief Electoral Officer, according tothe spokesman.

    "The commission is well-balanced, and reflects the rich diversity of Iraq and its people," Eckhard quoted Perelli as saying.

    The UN envoy congratulated the Iraqi people "for having moved the process of transition and self-determination a step further inthe road towards a democratic, sovereign and peaceful Iraq."

    Perelli said members of the commission were chosen following a participatory and transparent process marked by nominations from any Iraqi wishing to suggest candidates. Enditem