BAGHDAD, June 28 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States on Monday offered to formally resume diplomatic relations with Iraq, an official of the US-led coalition authorities said.

    "Today Ambassador Bremer delivered a letter from the president of the United States to the prime minister (of Iraq) requesting the resumption of diplomatic relations between the Untied States and Iraq," said the official on condition of anonymity.

    US civil administrator for Iraq Paul Bremer handed over the letter to Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi at a ceremony of sovereignty transfer held in the heavily-fortified Green Zone in Baghdad.

    The low-key ceremony was held two days ahead of the original schedule, aimed at surprising insurgents who threatened to torpedo the power handover process.

    The United States froze its diplomatic relations with Iraq in 1990 after then Iraqi president Saddam Hussein invaded neighboringKuwait.

    The request was expected to be granted to allow designated US Ambassador John Negroponte to present his credentials.

    Bremer, who called himself "former administrator," has left Iraq by plane following the sovereignty handover ceremony. Enditem