Top US man in Iraq assassination attempt

Paul Bremer, the top US administrator in Iraq has confirmed that he survived an assassination attempt on December 6.

“Yes, this is true, but thankfully I am still alive, and here I am in front of you,” Mr Bremer told reporters in Basra.

The incident happened on the same day that US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld visited Iraq and heard an upbeat assessment of Iraqi security.

NBC television said that Mr Bremer’s convoy had hit an explosive device and come under small arms fire.

The convoy, driving from Baghdad airport, was able to speed away and no-one was injured, NBC said.