In a statement on the car bomb of January 18th, Ambassador Bremer mourned the "innocent victims" but he affirmed that the plan to hand over authority to Iraqis remains on course.

“Today’s terrorist bombing in Baghdad, which killed at least 16 Iraqi citizens, is an outrage - another clear indication of the murderous and cynical intent of terrorists to undermine freedom, democracy and progress in Iraq. They will not succeed.

The attack, which took place at the height of rush hour in Baghdad, was clearly timed to claim the maximum possible number of innocent victims. Once again, it is innocent Iraqis who have been murdered by these terrorists in a senseless act of violence.

I share the deep outrage of my Iraqi friends and colleagues at this tragic and inexcusable loss of life. I pass my deepest condolences to the families and friends of those murdered.

Our determination to work for a stable and democratic future for this country is undiminished. Our plan to hand over remaining authority to a new Iraqi government in July this year remains unchanged.

The Coalition is doing all it can to assist the Iraqi security and emergency services in dealing with the aftermath of this terrorist attack. Many of the Iraqi wounded are being treated in a nearby Coalition military hospital, and will be given the best care available.”