Washington: President George W Bush today (Apr 5, 2004) said that he stood firm about the June 30 deadline for transferring power in Iraq and will not be deterred by heightened violence and an armed Shiite revolt against the US-led occupation.

"We're now in the process of deciding what the entity will look like to whom we will transfer sovereignty. But the date remains firm," he said in North Carolina.

Bush has already rejected the advice within his own party in Congress to postpone handing over power to Iraqis by June 30.

Asserting there is no intention to change the deadline, Bush said, "The intention is to make sure the deadline remains the same. I believe we can transfer authority by June 30. We are constantly in touch with Jerry Bremer (US Administrator) on the transfer of sovereignty. The United Nations is over there now to work on to whom we transfer sovereignty."

Asked whether the clash between coalition troops and Shiite militias over the last week are going to make it tougher to meet the deadline or increase the pressure from the UN or anyone else, Bush said, "My judgment is that the closer we come to the deadline, the more likely it is people will challenge our will. It provides a convenient excuse to attack."

"Throughout this period there are going to be tests. We were tested in Fallujah and the desire for those who do not want to be a free and democratic Iraq is to shake our will through acts of violence and terror," Bush added.

When asked about his forthcoming "testimony" before the 9/11 commission jointly with Vice President Cheney, Bush called it "just a meeting".

"It will be a great opportunity for them to ask both of us our opinions on the subject," said Bush. "And we are meeting with the entire commission. I am not exactly sure what the status is of putting out the date. I told them I would meet with them at a time that is convenient to all of us, and hopefully we will come to that date soon."

"I look forward to sharing information with them," said Bush. "Let me just be very clear about this. Had we had the information that was necessary to stop an attack, I'd have stopped the attack. And I am convinced any other Government would have, too."