But it was his mission right now, given to him by the president himself.

They will stay until ordered home by the president, he said.

"The final decisions by the President have not been made," he said.

"Action by Congress, the president and the courts is necessary as well."

The bill called for the appointment of local officials by the president.

It is time for a full explanation by the president.

Senior administration officials said plans for a major speech on Iraq next week by the president were under review.

I suspect that means only by the President for now, but who knows?

And without a serious effort by the President, they said, the proposal will die.

"I have a sense he'll do it if asked by the President."