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UN not ready to send security force to Iraq: Kofi Annan
London, June 26: The United Nations does not currently have the capacity to send a security force into Iraq, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said after talks in London with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
London, June 26: The United Nations does not currently have the capacity to send a security force into Iraq, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said after talks in London with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
"Until the (UN Security) Council gives US a new mandate,
we are not really talking of a UN force and, quite frankly, I
doubt that we will have the capacity to take over that
responsibility at this stage," Annan said yesterday.
"If we don't have the capacity, I wouldn't want to take on the additional role and more responsibility."
Speaking in the wake of the killing of six British troops in southern Iraq Tuesday, Annan Said the "occupying powers" had the responsibility to provide security and effective administration to the people of Iraq.
This should continue to be delivered by the multinational coalition led by the United States and Britain, he added.
Asked by reporters whether he wanted a greater security role for the UN, Annan said: "We are guided by UN Security Council Resolution 1483", passed unanimously in May, "which leaves the responsibility for security and for creating a secure environment to the coalition forces or the occupying power.
"The occupying power does have a responsibility to promote the welfare of the Iraqi people through effective administration of Iraq," Annan added.
"I think the security should be left to a multinational force of the coalition." Bureau Report
"If we don't have the capacity, I wouldn't want to take on the additional role and more responsibility."
Speaking in the wake of the killing of six British troops in southern Iraq Tuesday, Annan Said the "occupying powers" had the responsibility to provide security and effective administration to the people of Iraq.
This should continue to be delivered by the multinational coalition led by the United States and Britain, he added.
Asked by reporters whether he wanted a greater security role for the UN, Annan said: "We are guided by UN Security Council Resolution 1483", passed unanimously in May, "which leaves the responsibility for security and for creating a secure environment to the coalition forces or the occupying power.
"The occupying power does have a responsibility to promote the welfare of the Iraqi people through effective administration of Iraq," Annan added.
"I think the security should be left to a multinational force of the coalition." Bureau Report