Any request for international help in Iraq after the June 30 transfer of power will come from the Iraqi interim government, not the United States, Secretary of State Colin Powell said.
This comment came in an interview broadcast Saturday on India's New Delhi Television.
Powell added the U.S.-led occupation will end on June 30. U.S. and Iraqi officials have indicated that American and other troops will remain at the request of the Iraqis under a status-of-forces agreement currently being worked out.
Powell's comment came in reply to a question whether a formal request for help might go out to the new Indian government after the turnover in a month's time.
"Well, the interesting point is that I no longer will be able to answer that question because, if there is a formal request, it will not be coming from the United States," Powell said. "It will be coming from the new sovereign government of Iraq."
Earlier, U.S. officials stated the Americans would still be in charge of military operations in Iraq and of Iraqi security forces after June 30.
Last Monday night, however, President Bush said the U.S.-led forces would yield "complete and full sovereignty" to the interim government, to rule until elections are held, probably early next year. (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
