Iraq resumed its position among free, sovereign nations June 28 as administrative authority passed to Iraq's new leaders, President Ghazi al-Yawer and Prime Minister Ayad Allawi. After handing over sovereignty, former CPA Administrator Paul Bremer departed Baghdad. The new U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, John Negroponte, presented his credentials to President Al-Yawer June 29. The United States has pledged its full support for the new Iraqi government as it paves the way to democratic national elections.