Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=05/21/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ / GOVERNMENT (S-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-303451

BYLINE=MICHAEL DRUDGE

DATELINE=BAGHDAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The American administrator in Iraq, Paul Bremer, says a national conference to select the country's new government could be held in mid-July. V-O-A's Michael Drudge reports from Baghdad.

TEXT: Mr. Bremer says a national convention is planned to produce an interim Iraqi authority, representing Iraq's various ethnic and religious groups.

Mr. Bremer says he expects the convention to be held in mid-July, but the precise date has not been set. He said talks continue with Iraqi leaders on the plan.

The American administrator spoke to a small group of reporters during a tour of a Baghdad jail Wednesday.

Iraq's would-be political leaders have complained that the Bremer plan for an Iraqi interim authority will deny them control of key ministries and access to national resources, including Iraq's vast oil reserves.

A seven-member Iraqi council that has been in talks with Mr. Bremer says it wants a provisional government with stronger executive and financial authority than the Bremer plan envisions. (Signed).

NEB/MWD/WD