Original sentence: Though the U.government continues to maintain that intends to eventually hold elections in Iraq, currently local and regional positions (e.mayors, governors) are being chosen from a select group of individuals (including ex-Ba'ath party officials) in an attempt to avoid the election of people opposed to the American and British presence, including religous clerics and other officials who are considered to be overly radical
Edited sentence: In late June of 2003, the U.government suspended its commitment to hold elections for local and regional positions (e.mayors, governors) and instead decided to appoint individuals (including ex-Ba'ath party officials) and thus avoid the election of people opposed to the American and British presence