Whitehouse Iraq Transition Plan

[mburbank]

White House shows Congress its plan for power handover

By Mary Curtius, Los Angeles Times | April 23, 2004

WASHINGTON -- Bush administration officials offered Congress yesterday their most detailed explanation yet of US plans for turning power over to Iraqis after June 30, saying that while its sovereignty will be limited, the transition government will be in charge of most ministries, oil revenues, and an international development fund.


The administration will also seek another UN Security Council resolution on Iraq, the officials said, in hopes of winning more international support for the rebuilding effort.

But three days of administration testimony also made it clear that security would remain the responsibility of the United States. The officials reiterated that UN plans call for a transitional Iraqi government whose primary purpose will be to prepare for elections next year but which will not have the power to enact laws.

Moreover, the new US Embassy, scheduled to be the largest in the world, will continue to play a major role in Iraqi affairs.

The administration's presentation did not reassure some critics.

"There is no plan," declared Senator John R. McCain, Republican of Arizona, "Not enough troops, and no plan."