‘Working to speed Iraqi self-rule’

US President George W. Bush said on Thursday the US was working on a plan to hasten Iraqi self-government amid growing impatience among Iraq...

US President George W. Bush said on Thursday the US was working on a plan to hasten Iraqi self-government amid growing impatience among Iraqis over the US-led occupation. He said that the US was in a ‘‘struggle’’ with the increasingly active Iraqi resistance fighters.

The President and the White House declined to confirm reports that after meeting with the US Administrator of Iraq, Paul Bremer, Bush has abandoned his previous strategy of insisting on a new Iraqi constitution before handing over power to the Iraqis.

	UN for clear timetable

			With the US reconsidering its approach, the UN said on Wednesday that a transfer of power would benefit the country. ‘‘A clear timeline for the transfer of authority, we think, would help reduce tensions. An early transfer of power would be helpful to everyone,’’ said Chief UN spokesman Fred Eckhard said. TOKYO: A planned dispatch of Japanese non-combat forces to Iraq is not possible in present conditions, Tokyo’s top spokesman said. (Reuters) Story continues below this ad

‘‘What I’m interested in doing is working with Ambassador Bremer and the Governing Council to work on a plan that will encourage the Iraqis to assume responsibility,’’ Bush said.

Bush was asked whether he wanted to set up an interim government before a constitution was written. The New York Times reported on Thursday that the administration had decided to hold elections next year and give power to an interim government before a new constitution is written.

That would be more in line with a transition plan that had been favoured by European countries including France, but rejected by the US in favour of having the US-established Governing Council write a constitution, then hold elections before power would be transferred.

A CIA report disclosed on Wednesday said ordinary Iraqis were siding with the insurgents. Bush said the insurgents wanted to sow fear among ordinary Iraqis and undermine support for the occupation.

Story continues below this ad

‘‘That’s the struggle. And we’re going to prevail because, one, we’ve got a good strategy to deal with these killers; two, I believe by far the vast majority of Iraqis do understand the stakes and do want their children to grow up in a peaceful environment,’’ Bush said. (Reuters)