Planning 'Error' Delays U.S.-Iraqi Handover

Iraqi soldiers on parade in Al-Samawah (file photo) (epa) September 2, 2006 -- A ceremony in which Iraq would have formally assumed operational command of its new armed forces from U.S. troops was postponed today.

A U.S. military spokesman, Barry Johnson, said the ceremony was put off at the last minute because of an "error of planning" and has been rescheduled for September 3.

The event is being hailed by the U.S. military as a major step toward Iraq taking responsibility for its own security.

(AFP, Reuters)