US Iraq Study Group to release report on December 6

WASHINGTON, Nov 29 (Reuters) The Iraq Study Group, an independent, bipartisan panel charged with evaluating US policy in Iraq, will release its report on December 6, a source close to the group said today.

''On December 6 the Iraq Study Group will present its report to President George W Bush, the US Congress and the American people,'' said the source.

Bush, whose Republicans were bounced from control of the US Congress last month due in large part to his handling of the Iraq war, is under strong pressure for a major shift in course, and many in Washington are hoping the panel's report will provide an impetus for change.

The source, who asked not to be named, declined comment on what recommendations may be offered by the 10-member group, which is led by former US Secretary of State James Baker and former Rep Lee Hamilton.

REUTERS SBA BST0122