United Nations, Oct 03: The US-appointed Iraqi Governing Council, in its first formal appearance at the UN General Assembly, has promised a democratic set-up in the war-ravaged country based on law and justice and at peace with its neighbours. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on the last day of the high-level debate yesterday, Ahmad Chalabi, a member of the council, said the new Iraq would be based upon "dignity, freedom, justice and peace" and would respect and uphold all human rights, beginning with those contained in the universal declaration of human rights.
He said Iraqis had suffered humiliation and pain for more than three decades and sharply attacked those who criticise US President George W. Bush for war. "The liberation of Iraq, and what happened indeed is liberation, could not have been achieved without the determination of President George W. Bush and the commitment of coalition," he said.
The delegation sent by the Governing Council occupied the Iraq seat in the assembly, which for sometime was manned by diplomats appointed by the Saddam Hussein regime. Under the rules, the delegates submit their credentials to the credentials committee, which takes several months to process them. But credentials of any delegation could be challenged in which case the committee meets immediately to decide the matter. In case of Governing Council's delegation, no objection was raised.
Chalabi avoided the issue of timetable for granting all authority to the Iraqis, a issue which has being hotly debated in the Security Council. Bureau Report