Iraqi Opposition Leader Will Not Stand for Presidency

Iraqi opposition leader Ahmed Challabi, previously regarded by the US as the most likely successor after Saddam Hussein, announced this morning that he will not stand for the Iraqi presidency. As Al-Jazeera television channel reports, Mr Challabi did not arrive at the US military base in Nasiriya today for talks on the future of Iraq.

According to Mr Challabi, he sees no point in this as the present situation in Iraq 'is not conducive to the creation of a new government.' Representatives of more than 40 Iraqi parties and social movements arrived in Nasiriya today. The meeting is being organised by the Pentagon.