U.N. seeks Iraq council, coalition meeting

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan Thursday said he seeks a joint meeting with the Iraq Governing Council and the U.S.-led coalition in mid-January.

Earlier this week, he told the Security Council he needs clarification on what the other two parties expect of the world organization on its return to the still-embattled nation.

Annan said he was seeking clarity on what the world organization was expected to do between now and June 30 and establishment of a provisional government.

"There is an agreement between the Coalition Provisional Authority and the Governing Council as to how they want to proceed," he told reporters in a year-end news conference. "In that agreement, indications are given as to what each of the parties should do. The United Nations is not mentioned."

Added Annan, "There has been some question as to whether this was an omission or was this some sort of message."

However, shortly after that accord was announced, Nov. 11, the secretary-general said leadership of the Governing Council was "asking us to play a role. Others have asked us to play a role. What I am asking is for them to indicate to me exactly what role they want the United Nations to play."

Said Annan, "I have suggested that we all sit together, the coalition and the Governing Council.

He said he did not want to delay the encounter. "I have suggested a meeting around Jan. 15 and I hope we'll be able to sit to clarify what assistance and what role the United Nations can play," said Annan.

He added: "It has to be a three-way conversation and clarification. Once we have that, I will make a judgment on whether we can take on that role and if so, how and where and under what circumstances."

The secretary-general, anxious as anyone else to see Iraqis take control of their destiny, agreed with the coalition and the Governing Council on their approach to general elections.

"I think we all agree that the establishment of a provisional government and the hand over of power to Iraqis is urgent," the secretary-general said. "If we are going to do it by the end of June, I do not believe we have enough time to organize fair and credible elections, given the situation on the ground in Iraq."

The security situation prevents immediate return of the United Nations, since most international staffers were evacuated after the Aug. 19 bombing of its Baghdad headquarters, which killed 22 people.

Security also puts a damper on the ability for Iraq to return to normalcy.

"We will return to Iraq when a secure environment has been created," he said. "I think the (Security) Council recognized this when it said we should return when the circumstances permit. That does not mean that we have ruled out going to Iraq during the occupation and that we will go back to Iraq only after the occupation.

"I think we should be clear that the United Nations has been involved in Iraq throughout," he continued "Even as we speak, we have a presence in Iraq, both international in limited numbers and several hundred Iraqis working for us."

"I think when the provisional government is established and they seek our support in the constitutional process, the electoral process, including registration and assistance with the elections, that is much more straightforward and clear," he said, pointing out the difficulties in rebuilding, voter registration and campaigning without a secure environment.

"Of course, we will continue our work in reconstruction, rehabilitation, humanitarian, human rights and other areas," as feasible, Annan vowed.

The secretary-general said regarding the alternative path to sovereignty being pursued -- that is to say without elections first -- he believes "the process of selection and caucusing has to be inclusive and transparent and be seen as fair by Iraqis."

Additionally, he said it is also important for "the Iraqis to feel it is a process they have ownership over. I think if that is done, the outcome will be accepted and it will be credible within Iraq, in the region and beyond. So, I consider it a viable alternative, but it has to be handled carefully."