The U.S. administrator in Iraq, L. Paul Bremer (head of the U.S.-led occupation authority, the CoalitionProvisionalAuthority or CPA), in consultation with Iraqis appointed to a 25-seat "Iraq Governing Council (IGC)," agreed toa plan that wouldlead to sovereignty for Iraq by June 30, 2004. The UnitedStates and United Nations intend that the interim government not make any long-term laws or decisions -- itsprimary function is torun the ministries and prepare for national elections. The following additional decisions or eventswere part of the handover: (4)
Bremer departed Iraq on June 28, 2004, right after the handover, and the CPA ceased to exist. U.S. four-star Gen. George Casey assumed command. Legal Issues of the Handover

A number of legal issues are likely to arise. The United States doesnot, however,retain any authority to interpret and enforce those laws. Status of Military Forces.
Amid ongoing insurgency, the United States handed sovereignty to an Iraqi interimgovernment on June 28. The Bush Administration maintains that the handover was a success and will begin atransition todemocracy and stability. Critics assert that the handover does not appear to have diminished the anti-U.S.insurgency, threateningthe transition roadmap developed by the United States and United Nations. Legal issues may arise regarding thevalidity of lawsissued during the occupation, as well as the status of U.S. troops in Iraq. See CRS Report RL31339, Iraq:U.S. Regime ChangeEfforts and Post-Saddam Governance.