Powell Predicts 'A Better Day Ahead' for Iraq

Powell Predicts 'A Better Day Ahead' for Iraq

By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 4, 2003 – With Iraq's day of liberation drawing near, U.S. officials are hard at work on plans for an interim authority, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said today.

"We want an interim authority that is representative of all the groups who have an interest in the future of Iraq," Powell told reporters at the State Department. "We want it to include those in the external opposition who have worked so long and so hard and with such determination for the liberation of Iraq," as well as individuals inside Iraq.

The United Nations will be a partner in post-war Iraq, Powell said. "We'll work our way through the intricacies of the roles to be played by the U.N. in the days ahead."

Asked if video images allegedly of Saddam Hussein aired earlier in the day would have an effect on the morale of coalition forces, Powell replied in the negative.

"Our troops know what they are there to do; they are there to liberate Iraq and they will be successful in that mission," he said. "And whether he is there at the end or not, or found or not, is almost irrelevant. We are almost totally in control of the country and we will be in complete control soon. A better day is ahead for the Iraqi people."

ENDS

© Scoop Media