Bremer: no place for militias in a united Iraq

The American civil administrator of Iraq, Paul Bremer, avoided yesterday to confirm news which talked about the formation of "a special force to fight terrorism" in Iraq. composed of militia members of parties that used to oppose Saddam Hussein's regime, leaving open possibilities on this matter.

Bremer stressed Washington's opposition to the existence of Iraqi militias. He said following a meeting with the Spanish foreign minister, Anna Maria Palacio, in Baghdad that the militias have to disappear gradually with Iraq's progress towards its sovereignty."

Replying to a question on composing the special force, Bremer said "we have never said that the coalition support the existence of militias," adding that "in a united Iraq, there is no place for political parties that have armed groups."