American troops killed five Iraqis and captured another Tuesday after they came under fire while moving out of an ammunition facility west of Baghdad, the commander of the unit said, according to Reuters.
The incident took place between the cities of Ramadi and Habbaniyah about 100 kilometers west of the Iraqi capital.
Meanwhile, US administrator for Iraq, Paul Bremer Tuesday said that US and British forces would stay in the country no longer than necessary, while welcoming a new Governing Council as a "strong partner."
"Our time here is in the hands of the Iraqi people," Bremer told a press conference, adding that the first priority was to draft a constitution to prepare the ground for elections. These are not expected until mid-2004 at the earliest.
He said the Governing Council, which held its first meeting Sunday, wanted to appoint a committee to decide on the procedure for drafting a constitution.
Bremer looked to appease Shiite sensitivity over the question of the constitution, AFP reported. "That will be an Iraqi affair, by Iraqis for Iraqis," he said. "After free and fair elections, the coalition's job will be done," Bremer added, expressing confidence in the new council.
"I am delighted with the government. It is a strong partner," Bremer said. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
