Related: Iraq sovereignty handover completed

    BAGHDAD, June 28 (Xinhuanet) -- The coalition authorities formally transferred power to the Iraqi interim government on Monday, two days ahead of the scheduled June 30 in a bid to thwart escalating guerrilla attacks.

    Paul Bremer, the outgoing US civil administrator in Iraq, along with Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi and other government officials, attended the low-key ceremony.

    "This is a historical day... We feel we are capable of controlling the security situation," Allawi said at the ceremony.

    "I will leave Iraq confident in its future," Bremer said.

    A coalition official said Bremer is expected to leave Iraq later Monday. Enditem