Date:19/04/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/04/19/stories/2003041905480100.htm

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Transfer of power within weeks: Chalabi

BAGHDAD APRIL 18. Amid mounting protests demanding that the U.S.-led coalition leave Iraq quickly, the Opposition leader, Ahmad Chalabi, promised today that power would begin to be transferred to Iraqis within weeks.

Elsewhere, limited fighting continued between the U.S.-led troops and forces loyal to Saddam Hussein, while the Americans stepped up their hunt for the toppled Iraqi leader and his loyalists. The U.S. forces captured a senior Iraqi official overnight, and new footage of Mr. Hussein said to be taped April 9 — the day Baghdad fell — raised new questions on his fate.

Cleric's call

In Baghdad, a leading cleric, Ahmed al-Kubeisy, criticised the American "occupation" and asked the U.S. soldiers to leave.

"You are the masters today," al-Kubeisy said to cheers from worshippers at the Abu Haneefa al-Nu'man Mosque . ``But I warn you against thinking of staying. Get out before we force you out.''

After the sermon, thousands of people marched through the streets, chanting both anti-American and anti-Saddam Hussein slogans and calling for unity among the country's Sunni Muslims, Shi'ite Muslims and Kurds. Long time opponent of Mr. Hussein and head of the Iraqi National Congress who enjoys Washington's backing, Ahmad Chalabi, in his first public appearance, said he expected general elections be held within two years. But, he was vague on the specifics of the process to select an interim government.

In Washington, Maj. Ted Wadsworth, a Pentagon spokesman, said coalition forces have released more than 900 Iraqi prisoners, beginning the process of sorting through the thousands detained in the month-old war. U.S. officials said Samir Abd al-Aziz al-Najim, a senior leader of the Baath Party, was handed over to U.S. forces overnight by Iraqi Kurds near the northern city of Mosul. Al-Najim was the oil minister until earlier this year.

Abu Dhabi television on Friday broadcast a footage of what it said was Mr. Hussein being greeted by an enthusiastic crowd in the streets of Baghdad. Later, the United Arab Emirates-based station broadcast a separate audio of a speech reportedly recorded on the same day by Mr. Hussein. — AP