Annan warns that military action in Iraq is feeding ranks of resistance

AP | 4/28/04 | EDITH M. LEDERER

[kattracks]

UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan warned Wednesday that military action in Iraq is feeding the ranks of the resistance and urged U.S. authorities to do everything possible to seek a peaceful solution in the cities of Fallujah and Najaf.

As explosions and gunfire rocked Fallujah and U.S. troops began expanding operations out of their base in the holy city of Najaf, Annan called for negotiations on the ground and a concerted international effort to stabilize Iraq.

"Violent military action by an occupying power against inhabitants of an occupied country will only make matters worse," he said. "It's definitely time, time now for those who prefer restraint and dialogue to make their voices heard."

The assault against Fallujah began after American troops killed 64 gunmen near the southern city of Najaf.

Annan said he relayed an appeal from the community in Fallujah for the United Nations to intervene -- which he said was impossible because of the lack of security -- and spoken to U.S. authorities about "the need for caution, the need to do all that is possible to avoid a violent confrontation.

"The reason why I asked for caution is the more the occupation is seen as taking steps that harm the civilians and the population, the greater the ranks of the resistance grows," Annan said.

"I think everybody has said the struggle really should have been to win the hearts and minds of the people, and so it has to be an effort in that direction as well.

"It's a difficult situation. I'm not pretending it's very easy to do it, but I think one has to be very careful not to get it much worse."

Annan expressed serious concern about the wider impact of any fighting in Najaf, a holy city for Shiite Muslims where radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr reportedly is holed up. U.S. troops want to capture al-Sadr for his alleged involvement in the murder of a cleric and then suppress his militia.

"There had been also talks going on in Najaf which we had hoped would work out, and of course our concern (is) that any assault on Najaf will have really unimaginable consequences and could complicate very much the efforts that we are trying to make in ... working with the Iraqis to establish an interim government," Annan said.

The secretary-general spoke to reporters a day after his special envoy to Iraq, Lakhdar Brahimi, told the Security Council that Iraq's caretaker government must be chosen by May 31 so it can properly prepare to take power June 30 and reach a new agreement with U.S.-led multinational forces that will remain in control of security.

Annan said there also is a need to work out "coordinating mechanisms" between the United Nations and the new government, and the United Nations and the multinational force, "and it's not going to be easy."

Brahimi told the Security Council that many obstacles to the handover remain, but it can be accomplished even in the face of weeks of deadly violence.

The caretaker government will remain in power until national elections are held by Jan. 31, but Annan stressed that "security affects everything" and elections need "a calm environment."

[kattracks]

Annan said he relayed an appeal from the community in Fallujah for the United Nations to intervene -- which he said was impossible because of the lack of security.

The UN won't even go near Fallujah, but as far as they're concerned our troops shouldn't defend themselves?

Drop dead Kofi.

[dyed_in_the_wool]

This is good.
That way we won't have to wonder where they are later.

[TomGuy]

Koffi, talk to France....we're busy liberating a nation.

[mlbford2]

As soon as I think I am finished with my book "1001 Uses for Duct Tape", I have to add another chapter.

[martin_fierro]

"That's why I cavort with Muppets."

[Blood of Tyrants]

It's part of the reason Bush has waited so long. He wanted to give them time to gather together so that they could be squashed more easily.

[onedoug]

"Welcome to the party, pal."

[blanknoone]

I wish we could use our troops to crush the anti-americans at Turtle Bay.

[NativeNewYorker]

Kofi's OWN SON worked along the Saddam bucks gravy train for crying out loud. The press' continued treatment of him as a credible person is akin to their treatment of Arafat. Both men are unspeakably, hideously, corrupt.

[EQAndyBuzz]

"Violent military action by an occupying power against inhabitants of an occupied country will only make matters worse," he said. "It's definitely time, time now for those who prefer restraint and dialogue to make their voices heard."

Well Koffi, the majority or the insurgents are not from Iraq. They are from Syria, Iran, Chechnya and other parts of the globe. They came in to fight the US because they do not want a democracy.

Now Koffi, we know you support terrorists, communists and butchers and we also know you hate democracy and are a corrupt POS.

So worry about more important things like explaining to the world why you let Saddam murder his countrymen while you took his money.

[Gritty]

Kofi Annan, a Muslim and Muslim sympathizer.

How come he doesn't criticize the terrorists, who started the murder and mayhem, while the USA was trying to start up a peaceful government?

This guy is such a chickensh!t. He's less than worthless. He's a toxic waste. When are we going to boot these expensive UN poofters out America and cut off their gravy train?

[johnfrink]

Ok, Kofi, so explain why the guys in Syria attacked the UN building yesterday.

(sounds of crickets)

(image of tumbleweed rolling past)

[Diogenesis]

Annan, Emperor-of-Terrorists, NEVER gives up an opportunity to show that he is with the Axis of Evil.

[the Real fifi]

There are two certain ways to know when the DoD makes the right move:Kofi is against it, and the NYT condemns it. Kind of like a GPS in reverse.

[the Real fifi]

There are two certain ways to know when the DoD makes the right move:Kofi is against it, and the NYT condemns it. Kind of like a GPS in reverse.

[Lynda]

OK we'll leave.

[Humvee]

Better yet - go back to Rwanda, it's your legacy.

[Stagerite]

"It's definitely time, time now for those who prefer restraint and dialogue to make their voices heard."

The Korean War is still being fought thanks to those that prefer restraint and dialogue.

[Ol' Sox]

Secretary-General Kofi Annan warned Wednesday that military action in Iraq is feeding the ranks of the resistance...

Somebody give this clown a $20 and send him out for pizza so the adults can go about their business.