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Sovereignty announcement a real surprise

Jun-28-2004 » Filed Under: Iraq News

[Link to Full Article]
By TAREK EL-TABLAWY, ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Before the first cup of coffee, there were signs the news conference suddenly convened Monday morning was more than advertised - a simple briefing by U.S. administrator L. Paul Bremer.

Journalists were caught by surprise when they finally realized what was up - the formal handover of sovereignty from the U.S.-run occupation to the Iraqis two days earlier than expected.

Rumor quickly spread among the journalists escorted to a conference room in the villa housing interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's office: "The handover's today!"

Only six of Bremer's 25 advisers knew of the decision ahead of time. Bremer informed them earlier Monday that the Coalition Provisional Authority ruling for more than a year was dissolved.

At about 10 a.m., the news was confirmed by coalition officials - who insisted on secrecy. Then, at 10:26 a.m., the transition became official.

"You have said, and we agreed, that you are ready now for sovereignty," Bremer told Allawi, Iraq's interim President Ghazi al-Yawer and the other dignitaries gathered in the room. "I will leave Iraq confident of the future, confident the Iraqi government will be ready now to meet the many challenges" that lie before it.

Interesting.


Comments For "Sovereignty announcement a real surprise":

Sorry the media didn't get first choice on this. We do know what the people want and what the US wants. Thanks to all that worked so hard for this to work. God bless America and all that is there stay safe we love you all.

Posted by: Florence | June 28, 2004 7:29 AM

Yes, this news was a bit of a surprise, but very good news, nevertheless. There is no greater blessing than freedom, and Iraq will finally know the magnitude of that blessing. May God be with their new government as they embark upon this endeavor and may He grant them the strength and the knowledge to capably handle their new freedoms. May God bless all those in the Stryker Brigade, and all those who are serving our country in the armed forces, and may God bless America, keeper of the flame.

Posted by: Christine | June 28, 2004 8:48 AM

okay were ready. I'm so proud. Our soldiers have done and are still doing a very good job. God bless them.

Posted by: snowpony | June 28, 2004 9:40 AM

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