Senators wary of U.S. deadline on Iraq

JENNIFER C. KERR
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON — The Bush administration's June 30 deadline for turning over sovereignty of Iraq to its people may need to be extended, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said Sunday. The security situation in some cities is in shambles and Iraqi police forces are not prepared to take over, said Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind.

Asked whether the transfer of power is coming too soon, Lugar said, "It may be, and I think it's probably time to have that debate."

Lugar said there are still far too many questions about what will happen after June 30.

He said the administration has shared no plans with his committee regarding an ambassador, who the 3,000 embassy staff will be, and how they will be kept safe.

"This is a huge new exposure of Americans," Lugar told ABC's "This Week."

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