United Nations, Sept 24: The representatives of the United States appointed Iraqi Governing Council occupied the seat of their country in the United Nations General Assembly even though the assembly has yet to give the council formal recognition. The council's representatives took the seat yesterday as no member objected but it needs to go to the Credentials Committee to get formal recognition, world body officials said.
Current council President Ahmad Chalabi and Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari were occupying the places assigned to Iraq. Apparently, there was no protest from Arab nations and others as the Arab League has already given provisional recognition to the council and its delegation would also be present at the Opec meeting later this week in Vienna, Austria.
But it is not yet clear whether the delegation would be allowed to actually take part in the discussions and in decision-making. Diplomats say the council is working behind the scenes to get temporary recognition till an elected body takes over following elections. But some Arab nations have reservations about granting the seat to the council as it was handpicked by Washington.
Till now, diplomats appointed by Saddam Hussein were occupying the seat during the assembly sessions. Bureau Report