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Iraqi provincial governor killed Iraqi provincial governor killed
(about 1 hour later)
The Shia governor of Iraq's southern Muthana province has been killed by a roadside bomb, officials have said.The Shia governor of Iraq's southern Muthana province has been killed by a roadside bomb, officials have said.
The governor, Mohammed Ali al-Hasani, was killed when the bomb exploded next to his convoy as it drove through the provincial capital, Samawa, police say.The governor, Mohammed Ali al-Hasani, was killed when the bomb exploded next to his convoy as it drove through the provincial capital, Samawa, police say.
Several bodyguards were also injured in the explosion, which happened at 0800 local time (0400 GMT).Several bodyguards were also injured in the explosion, which happened at 0800 local time (0400 GMT).
Mr Hasani belonged to the largest Shia party in Iraq, the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC). Mr Hasani belonged to the largest Shia party in Iraq, the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SiiC).
He is the second Shia governor killed this month.He is the second Shia governor killed this month.
The governor of Diwaniya, Khalil Jalil Hamza, was killed by a roadside bomb along with police chief Maj-Gen Khaled Hassan.The governor of Diwaniya, Khalil Jalil Hamza, was killed by a roadside bomb along with police chief Maj-Gen Khaled Hassan.
The governor was a key figure in the Badr Organisation, the military wing of SIIC. The governor was a key figure in the Badr Organisation, the military wing of SiiC.
The Badr Organisation has clashed frequently with the Mehdi Army militia loyal to Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr. 'Shia rivalry'
The latest attack come as French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner visits Baghdad to meet Iraqi leaders. The Badr Organisation has clashed frequently with the Mehdi Army militia loyal to Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr for control of areas in the south of Iraq.
Officials are suggesting the latest killing could be the result of rivalry between Shia political factions, says the BBC's Mike Wooldridge in Baghdad.
Iraq's interior ministry has sent a team to Muthana province to investigate.
The attack comes as French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner visits Baghdad to meet Iraqi leaders.
The trip marks the first time a French minister has been to Iraq since France opposed the US-led invasion in 2003.The trip marks the first time a French minister has been to Iraq since France opposed the US-led invasion in 2003.
Franco-US relations have improved since Nicolas Sarkozy was elected president in May.Franco-US relations have improved since Nicolas Sarkozy was elected president in May.