UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said on Monday that polls in Iraq could not take place until late this year or early next year. In a report to the UN Security Council, Annan said polls could be held by the end of 2004 if preparations for a ‘‘legal and institutional framework’’ began immediately. But he said it was likely that elections could not be held until 2005. ‘‘Eight months are required to prepare a credible election in Iraq.’’ Annan said again that the US handover of political power should take place on June 30. — (Reuters)
