Ex-supporters of Saddam reinstated

Baghdad: A government commission has reinstated 70 former members of Saddam Hussain's party to their jobs after they joined the fight against Al Qaida in Anbar province, a senior official said on Sunday.

Ali Al Lami, executive director of the commission, said that the former Baath party members included 12 university professors, officers in the disbanded Iraqi army, former policemen and teachers. Al Lami said they were allowed to return to government jobs "because of their role in fighting Al Qaida in Anbar" province.