Iraqi Caretaker Government Takes Temporary Authority

The blast Tuesday underscored the threat, as did preparations for a formal ceremony amid the heavy armored presence of the U.S. Army.

In the 29 days remaining in June, meanwhile, the interim leaders will get on-the-job training to get them ready for June 30.

But there were already signs that they will not be content with that role alone. It was clear Tuesday that Iraq's temporary leaders are determined to influence the wording of the U.N. resolution currently under discussion that will set out the terms of the handover of authority.

Yawar, along with others on the governing council, has been critical of the draft resolution because it gives too little control to Iraqis over security and the activities of U.S. troops.

And Allawi, the prime minister, said his government would "need the partnership of the multi-national force" being considered by the United Nations.

Hoshiyar Zebari, newly appointed as foreign minister on Tuesday, was heading for New York to lobby the United Nations for full sovereignty when the U.S. occupation authority relinquishes power on June 30.

Asked about military control in the post-June 30 Iraq, Bush said, "We'll be flexible." At times, the Iraqis may ask the United States to stay out of a situation, he said. At times, they may ask for help.

In no circumstance, he said, would U.S. troops "in harms way" have to consult with anyone other than their own commanders.

He said the United States has demonstrated in Afghanistan that it can collaborate smoothly on such matters.

During the past few weeks, there were indications of significant disagreement between the U.S. occupying authority and the Governing Council about who would do what in the interim government.

But a senior U.S. official in Iraq, who asked not to be identified, played it down Tuesday. "The interim government that was unveiled today was the result of hundreds of conversations with thousands of people," he said.

While the consultations were "intense," he said there was no pressure applied by U.S. officials.

He said that when L. Paul Bremer, the civilian administrator of the U.S. occupation, consulted the White House about the two top presidential contenders, he was told that "either of them would make an excellent president of Iraq and we don't have a favorite."

Bush said he personally played no role in the choice of the new leaders, saying that Brahimi had made all the decisions.