Handover to Iraqi Army 'set for end of 2007'

[kpete]

The Times November 10, 2006


Handover to Iraqi Army 'set for the end of next year'
By Ned Parker, Michael Evans and Richard Beeston



American and Iraqi officials have set a date for giving Iraq’s forces responsibility for security across the country.
Under a plan to be presented to the UN Security Council next month, the Iraqi Government would assume authority from coalition troops by the end of next year.



Only hours after Donald Rumsfeld was replaced as US Defence Secretary, American, British and Iraqi officials spoke openly about accelerating the handover process.

Baghdad made clear that it would use the Democrat victory in congressional midterm elections to push President Bush for concessions. Confidants of Nouri al-Maliki, the Iraqi Prime Minister, said that they hoped defeat would make Mr Bush more open to ideas that he had previously rejected.


more at:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,7374-2446744,00.html

[babylonsister]

1. Hmmm. I'm waiting to see; I've heard this song before. nt