Iraqi leaders delay pact with U.S.

[Judi Lynn]

Feb. 23, 2004, 12:49AM

Iraqi leaders delay pact with U.S.
Decision may postpone approval of interim constitution
By DEXTER FILKINS
New York Times


BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Iraq's interim leaders said Sunday that they could not negotiate a formal agreement with the U.S. military on maintaining troops in Iraq and that the task must await the next sovereign Iraqi government.

The delay could put the Americans in the position of negotiating an agreement with leaders they did not appoint on such sensitive issues as when the use of force would be allowed.

It also means that another feature of the agreement of Nov. 15, which set out the steps to sovereignty, will not occur on schedule. Other things falling by the wayside are the approval of an interim constitution, which was supposed to occur by next Saturday, and the now abandoned plan to hold caucuses to pick a transitional assembly.

But the Americans have clung to the final date of handing power to a new Iraqi administration -- June 30.
(snip/...)

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/headline/world/2415562

[yowzayowzayowza]

1. Shrub is bound and...

determined to have another "Mission Accomplished" photo-op on 6/30. Could the maladministration be any more transparent?