Bush may delay $4 billion in Iraqi contracts
Official gives no reason for possible move postponing projects
From Suzanne Malveaux
CNN Washington Bureau
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CNN's Jim Bittermann on anger earlier this month at the U.S. ban on Iraqi contracts.
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CRAWFORD, Texas (CNN) -- The Bush administration may set aside up to $4 billion in Iraqi reconstruction projects, a senior administration official said Wednesday.
The official said serious consideration has been given to delaying the reconstruction projects, originally set for after the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority cedes power to the Iraqis. That transfer is set for the end of June.
The official gave no reason why the money would be set aside and projects postponed.
"This is where the administration is leaning," the official said, describing the option as "almost a done deal."
"It's a matter of dotting the i's and crossing the t's," he added.
The Pentagon would make such an announcement, he said.
Asked about whether the set-aside money would be reserved for France, Germany and Russia, the senior administration official said U.S. policy regarding those countries' access to primary contracts has not changed. (Anger over Iraq contracts list)
Relations were strained after France, Germany and Russia were left off a list of countries eligible to bid on reconstruction contracts in Iraq. The three nations had opposed the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
The set-aside money has no connection to any country's ability to obtain lucrative Iraqi reconstruction contracts, the official said. (Bush defends restrictions on Iraqi contracts)
President Bush said contracts will go to countries that supported the war or had troops on the ground.
