DATE=11/15/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ / COUNCIL (S)

NUMBER=2-309859

BYLINE=ALISHA RYU

DATELINE=BAGHDAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Iraq's Governing Council says it will hand over power to a sovereign transitional government by next June. V-O-A Correspondent Alisha Ryu has details from Baghdad.

TEXT: The announcement came after all-day talks between the 24-member Governing Council and the top U-S administrator, Paul Bremer.

Council member Ahmad Chalabi told reporters both sides have agreed that the selection of a transitional government should be completed before next June.

Members of the transitional council may include some members of the current Iraqi Governing Council. Mr. Chalabi says the transitional administration will be selected by representatives from all segments of Iraqi society in order to give the new body legitimacy and international recognition.

Council members also said the transitional government would draft a constitution and hold elections for a permanent government to be in place by the end of 2005. The plan has already been accepted by the Bush administration.

Anti-coalition insurgents have stepped up their attacks against U-S and coalition forces across Iraq in recent weeks, adding to pressure on the Bush administration to accelerate the hand-over of power. (Signed)

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