BAGHDAD [MENL] -- The United States has decided to grant Iraq's military responsibility to safeguard two national elections in late 2005.

U.S. officials said Iraqi forces would provide primary security for the Oct. 15 constitutional referendum and the December elections. They said the U.S.-led coalition would play a support role.

The Iraqi military has been preparing to deploy along key highways as well as intensify counter-insurgency operations in the weeks leading up to the elections. The police have been assigned to guard political candidates and polling stations.

So far, 446 Iraqi police officers have completed a course to help protect polling stations and candidates. The officers would later train other police personnel.