UN Role in Post-war Iraq must be Decided by Security Council: Annan

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, March 26, 2003

UN Role in Post-war Iraq must be Decided by Security Council: Annan

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan stressed Tuesday that any UN role in post-war Iraq beyond the provision of humanitarian assistance would have tobe decided by the Security Council through a resolution.

Annan made the remarks during his meeting with Condoleezza Rice,US President George W. Bush's assistant for national security affairs, Annan's spokesman Fred Eckhard said in a statement.

Eckhard told reporters earlier that the meeting, which took place at noon, was arranged at the request of the US side.

The statement said both sides discussed the humanitarian situation and the requirements for the provision of assistance to alleviate the suffering of the Iraqi people so gravely affected bythe war.

The UN chief repeated his public call on all parties involved in the war to meet their obligations toward civilians under international humanitarian law, it noted.

While stressing the world body's readiness to do all it can to provide humanitarian aid to the Iraqis, Annan said that the United Nations would have "limited capacity to do so until security conditions allowed for the safe return of staff to affected areas," according to the statement.

"Until then, humanitarian assistance would have to be provided by the United States and its coalition partners in those areas under their control, consistent with their overall responsibility under international law," Annan was quoted as telling Rice.

Annan also emphasized the need to maintain the territorial integrity of Iraq and the right of its people to determine their political future and exercise control over their natural resources, the statement said.

The statement said Rice described at the meeting the United States' present thinking as regards the post-war period in Iraq. But it did not give details on what Rice had said.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Iraqi Vice President Calls on Annan to Put End to War

Iraq Denounces UN for Amendments to Oil-for-Food Program

Annan Calls on US to Protect Civilians when Attacking Iraq

>> Full Coverage

The US Must Not Put Pressure On the UN ( 3 Messages)

Saddam Vows to Globalize War if Attacked ( 5 Messages)

China's Z11 Helicopters Get Green Light for Civilian Use ( 5 Messages)

New Premier Comes from Grass Roots ( 2 Messages)

China Hopes War can be Avoided: FM ( 3 Messages)