U.S.-sponsored political plan for Iraq runs into complications

[Judi Lynn]

U.S.-sponsored political plan for Iraq runs into complications
By Hamza Hendawi, Associated Press, 11/25/2003 16:05

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) The new U.S. blueprint for transferring power in Iraq may be hitting snags: Some Governing Council members want their interim body to exist longer than proposed, while others bemoan the absence of any reference to the role of Islam.

The problems are likely to complicate the delicate political process, replete with multiple deadlines spread over a 25-month period.

An accord signed Nov. 15 between the U.S.-led coalition and the U.S-appointed Governing Council provides for a ''fundamental law'' to be drafted by February an interim constitution until a permanent one is written before the end of 2005.

A transitional legislature will be selected from provincial caucuses in May. The assembly then has a month to appoint a provisional government with full sovereign powers. A general election must be held no later than March 15, 2005.

Iraq's chief U.S. administrator, L. Paul Bremer, sought to defend the accord Tuesday against accusations the process it envisages does not ensure the participation of all Iraqis. (snip/...)

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