Posted on 03/26/2003 2:20:23 PM PST by kattracks
U.S. says will not cede control of Iraq to U.N.
WASHINGTON, March 26 (Reuters) - The United States will not cede control of Iraq to the United Nations if and when it overthrows President Saddam Hussein, Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Wednesday.
"We didn't take on this huge burden with our coalition partners not to be able to have a significant dominating control over how it unfolds in the future," Powell told a House of Representatives subcommittee.
"We would not support ... essentially handing everything over to the U.N. for someone designated by the U.N. to suddenly become in charge of this whole operation," he added.
"We have picked on a greater obligation -- to make sure there is a functioning Iraqi government that is supported by the coalition, the center of gravity remaining with the coalition, military and civilian," he said.
Powell said the United Nations should, however, have a role in a post-Saddam Iraq, if only because it makes it easier for other countries to contribute to reconstruction costs.
"If we ask these nations to go get funds from their parliaments, it makes it a lot easier for them to get those funds and contribute those funds to the reconstruction effort ... if it has an international standing," he said.
The coalition is the Bush administration's term for the United States, Britain and the other minor contributors to the invasion of Iraq they launched last week.
The question of the U.N. role has come to the fore in the last few days because of debates in New York on the terms for releasing Iraqi oil money to pay for humanitarian relief.
The problem is expected to loom even larger if the United States takes control in Baghdad and then starts managing the Iraqi oil industry or seeking funds for reconstruction.
Washington will argue that as the victor it has the right to manage the transition to an Iraqi civilian government. Its opponents will say that the invasion was illegal and that the United Nations cannot endorse it retroactively.
Powell was speaking to the Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee.
03/26/03 17:17 ET
I don't think it will be too politically risky for Blair to deny France (or their little tea club - the UN) any input.
The Aussies apparently agree with us, or rather we agree with them.
France said: "We'll do the reconstructing and the US will pay us for it."
Powell says: "We'll do the reconstructing and France can chip in some money if they like."
Won't be able to appoint Bill Clinton? Or Mandela? Or UBL?
Reward only the nations that are now friends of America with post-war contracts.
Works for me.
I listened to this live on CNN, caught two Congressman that essentially gave Colin the floor to say all he needed to say.
Rep. Vitter of LA is phenomenal! He asked all the right questions , as if rehearsed. This meeting seemed more for us to abandon the un than budget finance. They both concurred that the UN is a joke.
Rep. Sweeney of NY concurred and gave the platform to Colin also. And the same line we need to get out of the un.
I would suggest all Freepers catch this repeat, you won't be sorry. I intend to so I can catch what I missed.
There is currently no schedule up for CSpan, but it was the Budget Finance Committee, so Freepers look later, you'll be glad you did!
Who was the despot in Yugoslavia, my friend? When we start 'administering' Iraq, do we become depots by your definition?
Where is the analogy in that Yugoslavia didn't have WMD, never gassed anyone, never invaded another country, didn't threaten the world's oil supply or the USA? The EU, NATO and Clinton were the despots . As the Hague 'tribunal' is proving, Milosevic is more than a cut better than the lousey team the US had in the ninties. They shamed the country, and now were're asking for a second chance. It's a tough sell but with W and Republicans backing him, it's do able.
Powell Testifies Before House
Sec. of State Colin Powell testifies before the House Approps. Subcmte. on Commerce, Justice, State & the Judiciary.
You can see it at their website:
It is in the middle and changes for Watch
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