The United States intends to set a six-month deadline for Iraqi leaders working under US-led occupation to produce a new constitution, the New York Times quoted US Secretary of State Colin Powell as saying Friday.

In an interview with the newspaper Thursday in New York, Powell admitted such a schedule would be difficult to meet, but he contended quick action is necessary to clear the way for elections and installation of a new Iraqi government next year.

"We would like to put a deadline on them," Powell said. "They've got six months. It'll be a difficult deadline to meet, but we've got to get them going."

Until then, he said, the United States will not transfer authority from the US-led administration to Iraqis themselves.

Powell's establishment of a deadline came as the United States has tried to satisfy France and other skeptical nations who say that a quick transfer of power to Iraqis must be part of any UN Security Council resolution expanding UN authority in Iraq.

The United States has resisted France's call for the temporary US-led administration in Baghdad to turn over power to Iraqis more quickly than under the current US plan.

Powell said the French proposal would cede authority to an unelected government, which would immediately become a target for remnants of Saddam Hussein's regime and his Baath Party.

(Xinhua News Agency September 27, 2003)