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New Iraqi prime minister: Coalition still needed

Jun- 1-2004 » Filed Under: Iraq News

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Associated Press

BAGHDAD, Iraq - New Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said Tuesday that Iraq needs help from U.S. and other multinational forces to help defeat "the enemies of Iraq,"

The statement was seen as a prelude to the new government negotiating an agreement that would allow troops of the U.S.-led coalition to continue operating in the country.

During a ceremony presenting the new interim government, Allawi said Iraqis "like other peoples of the world" do not enjoy living under foreign military occupation.

Nevertheless, he said: "We will need the participation of the multinational forces to help in defeating the enemies of Iraq. We will enter into alliances with our allies to accomplish that."

Allawi's words were a signal that the new government, which takes power June 30, will negotiate a status of forces agreement with American and other foreign military establishments to enable them to remain in Iraq after the occupation formally ends at the end of this month.

Earlier, the U.S. and Saudi-educated head of Iraq's Governing Council was named president of the interim Iraqi government, after the Americans' preferred candidate turned down the post.

The selection of Ghazi Mashal Ajil al-Yawer to the largely ceremonial position broke a deadlock over the makeup of a new Iraqi government set to assume power June 30. Iraqi leaders said the Americans were trying to force them to accept the U.S.-backed candidate.

The Governing Council then decided to dissolve immediately rather than remain in office until the transfer of sovereignty to the new government, said council member Younadam Kana.

A senior Bush administration official said the council dissolved to allow the new government to begin taking over responsibilities immediately. Still, the U.S.-led occupation authority will continue to run Iraq until June 30, the official said on condition of anonymity.


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