Talks To Determine Extent Of Iraqi Authorities' Power

31 May 2004 -- The chief of the U.S. military has said that talks are being held over how much power Iraqi authorities will have over U.S. military operations in Iraq following the 30 June handover of power.

General Richard Myers said on 31 May that the final arrangement will be an agreement between the U.S.-led coalition, the United Nations, and Iraqis.

In related developments, a political dispute over who should be Iraq's next president caused U.S. coalition authorities, the United Nations, and the Iraqi Governing Council to reschedule until 1 June a meeting on the issue that was planned to take place today.

Some Governing Council members are criticizing the United States and the UN, saying they are blocking the council's choice of president to succeed Saddam Hussein.

Meanwhile, a car exploded in Baghdad today, killing at least two people and wounding around 20 others.

(RFE/wire reports)