Powell sees UN as 'partner' in post-war Iraq

US Secretary of State Colin Powell said today that the US-led coalition currently fighting in Iraq should take the lead in rebuilding…

US Secretary of State Colin Powell said today that the US-led coalition currently fighting in Iraq should take the lead in rebuilding the country, but the UN would have a role as a "partner" in the process.

MR Powell also said he hoped that UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan would appoint a co-ordinator to work alongside an interim authority, which would be established "quickly" once order is restored after the conflict.

"I think the coalition has to play the leading role in determining the way forward," MR Powell told a press conference after a meeting with EU and NATO counterparts in Brussels.

Mr Powell said he had told his NATO and EU counterparts that "the work of reconstruction and rebuilding will require the entire international community to join together."

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"There will definitely be a UN role," he said, but added: "The exact role of the United Nations remains to be seen."

The question of UN involvement in post-war Iraq is fueling continuing transatlantic tension.

The EU wants the world body to take a "central" role, while the US administration appears divided on the issue, with hawks saying the United States should remain for a while in charge in Iraq.

Describing the US view of post-war Iraq, he foresaw "a phased process" leading to an Iraqi-led civilian authority. "Initially military commanders, the coalition commanders will be responsible for stabilizing the situation," he said.

But at the same time "we will quickly want to bring in individuals who can establish an interim Iraqi authority."

The US also expects that during the post-hostilities period international organizations will have an important role to play.

"The UN has a role to play as a partner in this effort," he said.

"We are hopeful that the (UN) secretary general will in the very near future appoint a coordinator who can work with the coalition and work with the interim authority when it is created to supervise the flow of humanitarian aid coming from UN organizations and also serve as the eyes and ears of the UN in the area."

Mr Powell added that the war against Iraq is "going well... With each passing day Iraqi forces become weaker (and) coalition forces become stronger."

But he added: "We all hope that it will come to an end soon."

AFP