In Iraq news, The Washington Post is reporting that U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan plans to endorse Washington’s position that direct elections cannot be held in Iraq before the United States hands over political power on June 30. Annan is expected to make the announcement next week which could turn out to be a major boost for the Bush administration. But it still remains unclear how an interim Iraqi government will be choosen. A national conference of tribal, political and religious leaders could be held to choose a provisional government. Another proposal would see the U.S.-appointed Iraqi Governing Council be expanded in size and given power to rule until elections are held.