DEAD SEA, Jordan, May 15 (UPI) -- The issue of Iraq dominated the first day of the World Economic Forum conference Saturday, being held in Jordan.
Arab League Secretary-General Amr Mousa asked during a session whether the United States was "really serious in its promise to the Iraqis or whether the transfer of authority to the Iraqis will be a mere formality."
He also questioned the role to be assumed by the United Nations after the Iraqis assume power June 30 from the Coalition Provisional Authority.
Iraq's Interim Planning Minister Mehdi al-Hafeth, possibly slated to be Iraq's next prime minister, said his country faces three challenges: "ending the foreign occupation, getting rid of the remnants of the former Baath regime, and the rebuilding of a state."
Al-Hafeth outlined the economic impact on his country following three wars, saying Iraq's debt stood at $120 billion, but added, "long-term opportunities are not bad and Iraq possesses oil, water and human resources."
He also appealed to the international community to grant his country $4 billion for 2005 to help in the reconstruction of Iraq.
