"Today is a very historic day for Al-Anbar," said Colonel David Teeples, commander of the Third Armoured Cavalry Regiment, tasked along with the Third Infantry Division with rebuilding the western province, considered a hotbed of Saddam Hussein loyalists.

Teeples was presiding over the first session of the regional council, chosen in collaboration between the army and pro-US Iraqis in Anbar.

The US military has moved to establish nominally democratic governing institutions in all 18 of Iraq's provinces as it seeks to facilitate the handing over of power and the creation of a vibrant civil society.

Abdul Qareem Birjis Ezzedin al-Rawi was named the head of the US-sponsored council, while a chairman has to be selected within 30 days.

The body will report directly to Teeples and be responsible for adminstrating the 25,000 square mile (65,000 sq. kilometres) province in Iraq's western desert.

The session was held on the main US military base in Ramadi.

Both Fallujah, 50 kilometers (30 miles) west of Baghdad, and Ramadi, a further 50 kilometres west, have become symbols of resistance among Sunni Muslims opposed to the US invasion of Iraq March 20 and the ensuing occupation.

Faced with daily attacks, the military has expedited its efforts to scale down a visible presence in the region, especially in Fallujah, where it has handed over policing responsibilities to Iraqis inside the city.