Iraq handover of power begins today

The transfer of sovereignty to the interim Iraqi government is being brought forward to today, the country’s foreign minister said today following with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The transfer of sovereignty to the interim Iraqi government is being speeded up from the existing June 30 deadline, the country’s foreign minister said today following NATO summit talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Mr Blair did not immediately confirm the switch but said a formal announcement would be made “a little bit later”.