Bremer Discusses Possible Delay of Transition of Power in Iraq
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CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Any moment now we are going to be seeing the civil administrator, Paul Bremer — there he is at the microphones in Iraq — addressing reporters. It’s a rare opportunity for reporters to talk with the man, question him. He is going to be talking about the possible transition — or delay of transition of power in Iraq. We are in the middle of the largest troop rotation since the Second World War. Over 100,000 American troops will depart Iraq and be replaced by their compatriots. Many coalition partners have carried on or will be carrying out similar rotations. Before those completing their service depart, I want to speak directly to the men and women from around the world making up the coalition forces. After months of arduous, dangerous and uncomfortable duty, many of you are being relieved now by your compatriots. People everywhere know, understand and appreciate the sacrifice you’ve made. You have made America and each of your countries and the world a safer place. You can rightly tell your children and their children, “We liberated Iraq and put it on the road to democracy.” Thank you for your service to your country, your service to the world, and your service to the people of Iraq. There are 133 days before sovereignty returns to an Iraqi government on June 30th. Changes in the mechanism performing an interim government are possible but the date holds. And hold it should. In the November 15th agreement, the governing council and coalition promised the Iraqi people sovereignty on a date certain and we will give it to them. More : edition.cnn.com |