Exiled Iraqi opposition groups have again delayed a conference planned this month in Belgium to discuss their possible role in toppling Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
In a statement sent to news agencies on Thursday, a preparatory committee said it is putting off the conference, scheduled for Nov. 22 in Brussels, Belgium for two weeks, in part because most of the delegates have not yet received Belgian visas.
Six major opposition groups, who refused to work together in the past, have been planning the conference. In addition to discussing their role in any U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, delegates also were expected to choose a committee that might be the basis of an interim government for a post-Saddam Iraq.
The United States has called Iraqi opposition groups to develop plans for governing their nation if Saddam is overthrown. In a recent letter to exiled Iraqi opposition leaders, U.S. Undersecretary of State Marc Grossman pressed the dissidents to speed up the convening of a broad conference on Iraq's future, AP reported. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
