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US to have `some influence` in choosing new Iraqi leaders: Powell
Washington, Apr 12: The United States will have `some influence` in the formation of the new government in Iraq, US secretary of State Colin Powell said, while dismissing the gulf nation would be handed over to the UN.
Washington, Apr 12: The United States will have "some influence" in the formation of the new government in Iraq, US secretary of State Colin Powell said, while dismissing the gulf nation would be handed over to the UN.
"We will have some influence on how this (new government)
is formed", Powell told a private channel, adding it was upto the Iraqis
to decide on their new leaders.
However, Powell made it clear that Iraq would not be handed over to the United Nations and the US-led coalition would play an important role in the future of the country.
There is much speculation on how the reported dispute between the Pentagon and the State Department on the choice of the new leader, will be settled.
The Pentagon reportedly favours Ahmed Chalabi, a Shiite who is chairman of the London-based Iraqi National Congress whereas the State Department reportedly prefers a seasoned former diplomat who is a Sunni.
When asked what he thought of Chalabi, Powell told, "Chalabi is well known. He has struggled. He has put his heart and soul into this fight for many, many, many years."
Powell also stressed that Iraq would not be starting from scratch unlike Afghanistan.
"Remember, there are institutions in Iraq. What we have to do is to purge them of Saddam Hussein's cronies and Baath Party leaders and make sure we get rid of all the cancer. But this is a country with bureaucracies, with institutions that I think we can build on", Powell said.
Bureau Report
However, Powell made it clear that Iraq would not be handed over to the United Nations and the US-led coalition would play an important role in the future of the country.
There is much speculation on how the reported dispute between the Pentagon and the State Department on the choice of the new leader, will be settled.
The Pentagon reportedly favours Ahmed Chalabi, a Shiite who is chairman of the London-based Iraqi National Congress whereas the State Department reportedly prefers a seasoned former diplomat who is a Sunni.
When asked what he thought of Chalabi, Powell told, "Chalabi is well known. He has struggled. He has put his heart and soul into this fight for many, many, many years."
Powell also stressed that Iraq would not be starting from scratch unlike Afghanistan.
"Remember, there are institutions in Iraq. What we have to do is to purge them of Saddam Hussein's cronies and Baath Party leaders and make sure we get rid of all the cancer. But this is a country with bureaucracies, with institutions that I think we can build on", Powell said.
Bureau Report