Disputes Cloud Gathering on Iraq's Future

[maddezmom]

SHARM EL-SHEIK, Egypt - Countries taking part in a conference on Iraq (news - web sites) differ on how to assist the nation but strongly support the interim government's efforts to crush the insurgency and hold elections in January, delegates said Monday.

Iraq asked Egypt to convene the conference in a bid to increase world support for its battle against insurgents and its plan to hold national elections.


The two-day meeting brings together Iraq's neighbors, Egypt, several other Arab countries, China and regional bodies such as the United Nations (news - web sites), European Union (news - web sites), Arab League and the Organization of the Islamic Conference.


The conference, which opens in this Red Sea resort Monday, will not set a deadline for the withdrawal of the U.S.-led multinational force, as desired by France and some Middle Eastern countries, according to a draft copy of the final declaration, which was obtained by The Associated Press.

more: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=736&e=2&u=/ap/20041122/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_conference