Bremer heads to the United Nations on Monday to meet with Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the president of the Iraqi Governing Council and other officials.

CNN: Bremer: U.N. has 'vital role' to play in Iraq

Also, it was noted that Bush did not mention by name the president of the Iraqi Governing Council even though Ahmed Chalabi attended the speech.

CNN: Arabic TV critiques Bush's speech

Adnan Pachachi, this month's president of the U.S.-appointed Governing Council, said he backs direct elections in principle but indicated the caucus-elected assembly, or some variation of this plan, would be more realistic in view of the June deadline.

CNN: Iraq leader: Direct vote could delay handover

Its president has a single vote on the governing council of the European Central Bank.

ECONOMIST: A tussle over the integrity of a once-great central bank