The new Iraqi interim government scheduled to take control on July 1 will have only 'limited sovereignty' over the country and no authority over United States and coalition military forces already there.
Senior State and Defence officials told this to Congress in testimony this week before the Senate and the House Armed Services Committees.
Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and Undersecretary of State Marc Grossman said the US will operate under the transitional law approved by the Iraqi Governing Council and a resolution approved by the United Nations Security Council last October.
Both those provisions give control of the country's security to US military commanders.
Senior State and Defence officials told this to Congress in testimony this week before the Senate and the House Armed Services Committees.
Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and Undersecretary of State Marc Grossman said the US will operate under the transitional law approved by the Iraqi Governing Council and a resolution approved by the United Nations Security Council last October.
Both those provisions give control of the country's security to US military commanders.
Well, doh. The text of the Iraqi transitional diktat has been available since it was signed on 8 march. Article 59 provides:
(A) The permanent constitution shall contain guarantees to ensure that the Iraqi Armed Forces are never again used to terrorize or oppress the people of Iraq.
(B) Consistent with Iraq�s status as a sovereign state, and with its desire to join other nations in helping to maintain peace and security and fight terrorism during the transitional period, the Iraqi Armed Forces will be a principal partner in the multi-national force operating in Iraq under unified command pursuant to the provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1511 (2003) and any subsequent relevant resolutions. This arrangement shall last until the ratification of a permanent constitution and the election of a new government pursuant to that new constitution.
(C) Upon its assumption of authority, and consistent with Iraq�s status as a sovereign state, the elected Iraqi Transitional Government shall have the authority to conclude binding international agreements regarding the activities of the multi-national force operating in Iraq under unified command pursuant to the terms of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1511 (2003), and any subsequent relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Nothing in this Law shall affect rights and obligations under these agreements, or under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1511 (2003), and any subsequent relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, which will govern the multi-national force�s activities pending the entry into force of these agreements.
Why was the limitation of sovereignty not reported on 8 March? Why are there 304 stories from a shocked press announcing to an equally shocked world what has been plain as mud since 8 March as though it was a new discovery?
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