Brasília, 6/29/2004(Agência Brasil) – The military coalition led by the United States moved up the date for the transfer of sovereignty to Iraq to Monday. The US administrator in Iraq, L. Paul Bremer, transferred power to the Iraqi prime minister, Iyad Allawi. However, coalition forces remain in the country.

Here is a note released by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Relations:

"The takeover of power by an intern government in Iraq, as per UN Security Council Resolution 1546, which took place today (Monday, June 28, 2004), is an important step in achieving institutional normalcy which should eventually include democratic elections and the formation of a constitutional government by the end of 2005.

As a member of the Security Council, Brazil participated in negotiating Resolution 1546 seeking to ensure the complete sovereignty of the Iraqi people, as well as strengthening of the role of the United Nations in the institutional normalization of Iraq.

Brazil wishes to expresses its hope that Iraq achieves, as soon as possible, security and stability which will enable that nation to provide for the well-being of its people and their full participation in the community of nations.

(Translator: Allen Bennett)