Posted on 05/06/2003 10:14:17 AM PDT by knighthawk
UNITED NATIONS: Australian Prime Minister John Howard has said the rationale behind sanctions against Iraq has disappeared as the country is now under the administration of the coalition and the weapons of mass destruction would not be used.
After meeting UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan here on Monday, he said he had an open mind on the United Nations' role in the post-war scenario but it is important to recognize the reality of what is taking place on the ground.
He called for lifting sanctions against Iraq and said what is important is to realize that Iraq is under the administration of the coalition which mainly comprises the United States forces.
"In that context, it is important to recognize realities and move one," he said.
Howard said instead of rehashing old arguments, member states should recognize the realities in post-conflict Iraq.
During the meeting with Annan, he said he expressed his desire to see the restoration of basic services and the emergence of a free and open Government in Iraq.
He said he had also told the Secretary-General that the United States is strongly committed to achieving a peace settlement between the Israelis and Palestinians.
Asked about whether or not the United Nations would play a political role in post-conflict Iraq, as it had done during the Bonn Conference on Afghanistan, he said the world body could play a positive, constructive role.
Although the coalition is the effective administering party, he said, the UN is already playing an important role in the area of humanitarian assistance.
Howard bump!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.