New York: Demanding a speedy return of sovereignty to Iraq, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has said the occupying powers set a "clear and specific" sequence of events leading to installation of a democratically elected government in that country.

In a report to the Security Council on July 18, Annan said, "It is important that Iraqis are able to see a clear timetable leading to the full restoration of sovereignty."

Annan said security and giving tangible power to Iraqis quickly was the common theme of the Iraqis during their discussions with his special representative Sergio Vieira de Mello.

The 22-page report, prepared in consultation with de Mello, states "democracy should not be imposed on Iraq from the outside - it has to come from within."

It also refers to the issue of the current human rights scenario in Iraq, particularly as affected by the actions of the US-led Coalition Provisional Authority.

"Security remains a priority concern for all the Iraqis with whom my special representative has spoken during this initial period. Security, or the lack of it, affects every aspect of life in Iraq today in a fundamental way," Annan said.

In the report, Annan has also set ambitious goals for the world body, which include providing humanitarian assistance, help in rebuilding the country and planning for the elections which would lead to installation of a democratically-elected government.

PTI