U.S. Iraqi opposition discuss broad-based conference

The U.S. government is holding discussions with the Iraqi National Congress about a proposal to build a radio transmitter for broadcasting inside Iraq and about organizing a broad-based conference of Iraqi opposition organizations, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said yesterday.

He said the United States supports a broad-based conference that would be inclusive of all Iraqi opposition organizations, including military and political figures.

"I think the purpose of getting together the Iraqi opposition is to help marshal the support, look at ideas, demonstrate that there are Iraqis who want a different future for their country, and make clear that these people come from a variety of backgrounds, a variety of ethnic groups, a variety of experiences, and to have them be able to compare notes and look at what kind of activities can further the goal of eventually changing the regime in Baghdad," Boucher said.