Message Board

Is the US acting as a sole superpower by snubbing UN? Post your views

Washington: The United States wants the United Nations to resume its role in Iraq in accordance with various resolutions of the world body, Colin Powell, the US Secretary of State, said yesterday (November 17).

The UN had withdrawn from Iraq when its office was bombed and Sergio de Mello, its chief representative, was killed.

At a joint appearance with German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, Powell said, "I have been in touch with UN Secretary-General (Kofi) Annan, to discuss the role the UN might play, and to inquire of him how he is coming along with respect to designating a new Secretary-General's representative for Iraq.

"We want the UN to play a role, and it is a part of our plan in moving forward."

Asked what role the US wants the UN to play, Powell replied that UN Resolution 1511 and earlier UN resolutions provided for a role to be played by the UN, and "I think Secretary-General Annan and his staff are anxious to play that role."

Powell acknowledged that security problem had been the major factor in UN's reluctance in playing the desired role in Iraq.

"But I think it's time now, with this new plan (to restore sovereignty to Iraq by installing an interim Government in six months), for the UN to determine whether or not circumstances will permit it to play a more active role inside the country."

PTI