Iraqi changeover deadline remains, despite clashes: Bush

The US still intends to stick to its deadline to transfer power to the Iraqi transitional government despite the deteriorating security situation in the country, President George Bush has said.

Mr Bush made his comments as US operations against militia and supporters loyal to the Islamic cleric Moqtada Al Sadr reached a new intensity. An Iraqi judge has now issued a warrant for the arrest of the 30-year-old cleric in connection with the murder of a community leader last year.

Yesterday, US Apache helicopter gunships targeted suspected terrorist positions in the Baghdad suburb known as Sadr City, and Coalition troops have effectively cut off Fallujah – the city where four US contractors were killed and dismembered by a crowd last week.

More than 60 people, both Coalition forces and Iraqi civilians, have been killed in a series of violent clashes in Baghdad, Basra, Najaf and Amarrah since the weekend.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, President Bush said that the changeover of power would take place on June 30, and the US would continue to "work toward that day". However, he spoke of his belief that insurgents and elements intent on violence would step up their efforts as the deadline draws near.

Mr Bush told reporters: "My judgment is, is that the closer we come to the deadline, the more likely it is people will challenge our will. In other words, it provides a convenient excuse to attack. In this particular incident, with Sadr, this is one person who is deciding that rather than allow democracy to flourish, he's going to exercise force. And we just can't let it stand."

Mr Bush vowed that the Coalition would "stay the course" and that ordinary Iraqis should not fear that America would "turn and run".

He added: "If they think that we're not sincere about staying the course, many people will not continue to take a risk toward -- take the risk toward freedom and democracy."

UN representatives are currently in Iraq to assist with preparations for the changeover.

US commanders are now considering boosting the number of troops on the ground in an effort to 'pacify' problem areas. There are currently around 105,000 US soldiers in Iraq – backed up by the newly formed Iraqi security forces.

(gmcg)