Iraq elections possible by end of year

Elections for a new Iraqi government would be possible by the end of 2004 if preparations for them began immediately, a United Nations envoy said in a report released today.

Lakhdar Brahimi said there is broad consensus for a provisional government to be formed by June 30. But his report also said the preferred US option – for a system of regional caucuses to elect the government – “does not appear to enjoy sufficient support among Iraqis to be a viable option any longer.”