Diwaniya transfer delayed

BAGHDAD, June 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. military Monday delayed the handover of security responsibilities of the city of Diwaniya to Iraqi forces, Iraqi sources said.

Hamid al-Khudari, governor of the Qadisiyah province of which Diwaniya is capital, said a curfew would be imposed beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday evening local time in preparation for the handover.

The transfer of responsibility was to coincide with the Iraqi uprising against British forces in 1920.

Sources to Voices of Iraq Monday, however, said security forces lifted the curfew Monday morning, citing, with few details, a dispute between the Iraqi and U.S.-led militaries.

Iraqi security forces hold authority over nine Iraqi provinces. Qadisiyah and Anbar were scheduled for transfer, but U.S. officials said the ceremonial handover was delayed indefinitely due to poor weather conditions.

"The ceremonies were delayed due to expected strong wind and sandstorms in the province on Saturday," the U.S. Army said in a statement.

In related news, police officials said Iraqi forces are ready to assume security responsibilities from the U.S. military in eastern Wasit province.

"Wasit police forces are ready for security handover from (U.S.-led forces) at any time or place," said police chief Brig. Gen. Abdul-Haneen Humood.