Coalition Officials Hail Growing UN Involvement In Iraq's Political Future
The Ambassadors of the United States and the United Kingdom today told the Security Council that the Coalition
Provisional Authority (CPA) welcomes the growing role of the United Nations in helping Iraq to determine its political
future.
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2004/sc8006.p2.doc.htm Briefing on the latest developments in the country, Ambassador John D. Negroponte welcomed Secretary-General Kofi
Annan's report on a recent fact-finding mission analyzing the feasibility of elections, noting its conclusion that
polling could not be organized by 30 June - "the date by which all agree that the transfer of sovereignty should take
place."
Echoing the Secretary-General's report, he said resolving the question of the timing of elections provides an
opportunity for Iraqis and the CPA to engage in a dialogue on the mechanism for transferring sovereignty. The CPA, the
Iraqi people, the Governing Council and the UN will work together to reach agreement on a transition mechanism for the
handover, he said.
"We look forward to further consideration of the team's report and the continued engagement of the United Nations in the
political process ahead," he emphasized.
Reviewing other developments, Mr. Negroponte noted that, "After decades of oppression, we see the Iraqi people asserting
their own vision for Iraq by assuming greater responsibility for security, by managing their natural resources for the
benefit of all, and by taking the first steps towards representative democracy."
At the same time, he cautioned that difficult challenges remain, including insecurity fomented by "former regime
loyalists, foreign fighters and hardened international terrorists." But the Iraqi people and their supporters "will
triumph in the effort to open a new chapter in their proud history."
Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry of the United Kingdom joined in welcoming the help being offered by the UN and its agencies
for Iraq's reconstruction. "We also very much value the contribution that the UN is now making to the political process,
most recently through the report of the UN fact-finding mission led by [Special Advisor] Lakhdar Brahimi," he said.
"We welcome the United Nations' offer to help with consensus building as well as with the preparation for subsequent
elections," he added. "We want to see a strong and growing United Nations role."
"We hope that the coming weeks and months will bring continued and enhanced UN engagement," he stressed.
About a dozen participants took part in the debate which followed, with many underscoring the need to adhere to the 30
June date and voicing support for an expanded UN role in the political arena. A number of speakers cited the credibility
that the UN carries as vital to this endeavour. At the same time, it was noted that the UN would need a clear mandate
and a secure environment to operate effectively in Iraq.