Monday, June 28, 2004
'Historic day' for Iraq
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The handover of sovereignty to the interim Iraqi government took place at 10:26 a.m. Baghdad time Monday, two days before the June 30 deadline previously announced by the U.S.-led coalition.
"This is a historic and happy day for us in Iraq," al-Yawar said. "It is a day that all Iraqis have been looking forward to. This is the day that we take our country back into the international community.
"We want a free and democratic Iraq, and we want a country that is a source of peace and stability for the whole world."
The interim Iraqi leaders expressed thanks to the coalition officials and troops, saying their sacrifices would not be in vain.
Bremer said he was proud to have been able to return sovereignty. He said he was confident the new government was ready to meet the challenges ahead.
The preparations for the possibility of an early transfer were started a week ago, according to a senior U.S. official.
Coalition Administrator Paul Bremer -- now the former administrator -- read his letter contained in the transfer document:
"As recognized in U.N. Security Council resolution 1546, the Coalition Provisional Authority will cease to exist on June 28th, at which point the occupation will end and the Iraqi interim government will assume and exercise full sovereign authority on behalf of the Iraqi people."
"I 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."
Bremer handed the transfer document to the head of the Iraqi Supreme Court, who then gave it to President Sheikh Ghazi al-Yawar. Prime Minister Ayad Allawi and the deputy prime minister also attended.
Asked by reporters attending the ceremony about why the handover was stepped up by two days, an Iraqi official said Prime Minister Allawi requested it because "every day matters" and they were ready to crack down on violence.
Zebari told reporters in Istanbul that the early transfer of sovereignty is "a sign we are ready for the job."
"We are ready to take up our responsibility even before June 30th," he said.
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The handover of sovereignty to the interim Iraqi government took place at 10:26 a.m. Baghdad time Monday, two days before the June 30 deadline previously announced by the U.S.-led coalition.
"This is a historic and happy day for us in Iraq," al-Yawar said. "It is a day that all Iraqis have been looking forward to. This is the day that we take our country back into the international community.
"We want a free and democratic Iraq, and we want a country that is a source of peace and stability for the whole world."
The interim Iraqi leaders expressed thanks to the coalition officials and troops, saying their sacrifices would not be in vain.
Bremer said he was proud to have been able to return sovereignty. He said he was confident the new government was ready to meet the challenges ahead.
The preparations for the possibility of an early transfer were started a week ago, according to a senior U.S. official.
Coalition Administrator Paul Bremer -- now the former administrator -- read his letter contained in the transfer document:
"As recognized in U.N. Security Council resolution 1546, the Coalition Provisional Authority will cease to exist on June 28th, at which point the occupation will end and the Iraqi interim government will assume and exercise full sovereign authority on behalf of the Iraqi people."
"I 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."
Bremer handed the transfer document to the head of the Iraqi Supreme Court, who then gave it to President Sheikh Ghazi al-Yawar. Prime Minister Ayad Allawi and the deputy prime minister also attended.
Asked by reporters attending the ceremony about why the handover was stepped up by two days, an Iraqi official said Prime Minister Allawi requested it because "every day matters" and they were ready to crack down on violence.
Zebari told reporters in Istanbul that the early transfer of sovereignty is "a sign we are ready for the job."
"We are ready to take up our responsibility even before June 30th," he said.
