Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=6/28/2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= IRAQ WRAP (L)

NUMBER=2-317090

BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

HEADLINE: US Transfers Sovereignty to Iraqi Leaders

INTRO: The United States has transferred power to an interim government in Iraq, bringing to an end 15 months of foreign occupation that began with a U.S. led invasion and the toppling of Saddam Hussein. Correspondent Nick Simeone tells us the transition took place days ahead of schedule because of concerns that terrorists could disrupt the transfer.

TEXT: /// ALLAWI ACT ///

This is a historical day.

/// END ACT ///

And with those words, Iraqi Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi took the reigns of power from American administrator Paul Bremer, the man who for the past year had been the country's chief authority. Now recognizing his status as the former top official in Baghdad, Mr. Bremer presented a letter at Monday's ceremony acknowledging Iraq's sovereignty.

/// BREMER ACT ///

"We welcome Iraq's steps to take its rightful place of equality and honor among the free nations of the world, sincerely, L. Paul Bremer, ex-Administrator of the Coalition Provisional Authority."

/// END ACT ///

He then boarded a U.S. military plane, waved good-bye from the doorway and flew out of the country, the transfer of power complete.

/// ARABIC ACT OF SWEARING IN AND FADE ///

Members of Iraq's interim government were then sworn in.

Few people apart from Paul Bremer knew that Monday's handover of sovereignty had been changed from Wednesday and the low-key ceremony was not announced in advance.

Prime Minister Allawi had asked that the handover be moved up.

/// SECOND ALLAWI ACT ///

"We feel we are capable and in control of the situation and the security situation."

/// END ACT ///

It happened as President Bush along with other leaders of NATO were attending an alliance summit in Turkey.

/// BUSH ACT ///

"He thought it would strengthen his hand and so that's why the handover took place today as opposed to 48 hours later and so not only is there full sovereignty in the hands of the government but all of the ministries have been transferred and they're up and running."

/// END ACT ///

At that summit, NATO leaders pledged to help train the new Iraqi military.

But with violence continuing across Iraq - and at least five more hostages now being threatened with death by Islamic militants - President Bush acknowledged the Iraqi government still faces a tough road ahead.

/// SECOND BUSH ACT ///

"The stakes are high."

/// END ACT ///

British Prime Minister Tony Blair:

/// BLAIR ACT ///

"The important thing is to understand that the will of the whole international community now is that Iraq takes control of its own destiny. Iraq should be run by Iraqis. We are there to help and support from now on, in terms of security particularly."

/// END ACT ///

Even though political power has been transferred, foreign troops including nearly 140-thousand Americans will remain in the country and will report to an American, not an Iraqi commander, ahead of national assembly elections scheduled for January at the latest. But unlike before Monday's handover, the sovereign Iraqi government is now free to demand they leave, even though U.S. officials say they do not expect that to happen. In fact, Deputy U.S. Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz says American forces could remain in Iraq for years to come, given the on-going violence and the fact that Iraqi defense forces are not yet prepared to take on the job of securing the country. (SIGNED)

NEB/NJS /MEM/KBK