http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-3195677,00.htmlU.S. Hopes for Iraq Document in 6 Months
Friday September 26, 2003 6:09 PM
By BARBARA BORST Associated Press Writer
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Secretary of State Colin Powell said the United States would like Iraqi leaders to produce a new constitution in six months, paving the way for elections perhaps six months later and a return to self-rule.The United States wasn't setting a deadline, he stressed, saying that would imply serious consequences if it was not met.
"Six months seems to be a good timeline to put out there for the creation of this constitution, and also to give a sense of momentum and purpose to the effort of moving toward full restoration of authority over Iraq to the Iraqi people," Powell told reporters after a high-level meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If the constitution can be finished in six months, then the Iraqis would ratify it and prepare for elections, Powell said. "Some people say it would be another six months for elections, but we really can't be precise about it."
His comments came as opponents of the war in Iraq - including France, Germany and Russia - called for the United Nations to take over the political transition in Iraq and demanded a speedier timetable for the U.S.-led occupation to hand over power. It also came as the U.N. Security Council weighs a new resolution on Iraq, which the Bush administration hopes will allow for more funding and troops. <snip>
Powell, in an interview with The New York Times, said the new resolution probably would not mention a fixed schedule but could include references to a constitution, elections and the installation of a new leadership. He suggested the timetable instead would be between coalition authorities and the Iraqis. <snip>