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Geneva: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on April 25 urged US led forces in Iraq to assume their responsibility as the occupying power for ensuring public order and safety.

"What we must all hope is that a new era of Human Rights in Iraq will now begin", said Annan while addressing the UN Human Rights Commission. He also called on the coalition to "set an example" by making it clear they would adhere fully to international law over the treatment of prisoners-of-war.

"I hope the coalition will set an example by making clear that they intend to act strictly within the rules set down by the Geneva Conventions and the Hague Regulations regarding the treatment of prisoners-of-war."

He hoped they would demonstrate "through their actions that they accept the responsibilities of the occupying power for public order and safety and the well-being of the civilian population".

He also commented that the decision to go to war in Iraq without specific authorisation of the UN Security Council had created "deep divisions" that needed to be bridged.

The 53-member UN body is due to wrap up its six-week annual session on April 25.

Agencies