Powell Rejects French Timetable for Iraq

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=542&ncid=716&e=1&u=/ap/20030913/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_iraq

GENEVA - Secretary of State Colin Powell on Friday rejected as "totally unrealistic" a French timetable for the full transfer of authority in Iraq to local control, starting with the establishment of a provisional government next month.

French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin outlined the proposals on the eve of a meeting here Saturday involving U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and representatives of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council.

Powell will meet separately with each of his colleagues, including de Villepin, who has been a persistent foe of American policy in Iraq since before the American-led invasion. Given the differences with the views of France and other countries, Powell predicted that the debate will be "spirited."

In an opinion piece in the French newspaper Le Monde, de Villepin wrote that a provisional government should be established in Iraq in a month, a draft constitution by the end of the year and elections next spring.

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[alexwcovington]

1. Whatever happened to the 14 points?!

Come on. Self-Determination people.

[jamesinca]

2. He only last week asked them to state what they wanted

Now they have stated what would make the U.S. proposals palatable and he says NO!!!! Wonder why it is not working?

[E_Zapata]

3. Powell underestimates the PEACE that would immediately

come about once all factions in Iraq here the US Army is on its way OUT.

Powell is in denial. The fighting in Iraq is BECAUSE the USA is there.

[0007]

4. In other words take a hike!

The US knew the outcome.

[The Zanti Regent]

5. Does this ass have NO shame?

I stopped wondering how low he would go, because every time I think he can't go any lower, he does!