Frankfurt, Apr 07: German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said today he hoped the war would end swiftly with "a victory for the allies" and reiterated calls for the United Nations to lead a mission for rebuilding post-war Iraq. Speaking at the opening of a trade fair in his hometown of Hanover, Schroeder said the world economy was suffering from the negative effects of the war and for that reason alone it was desirable that it end quickly with a victory for the US-led alliance. "A swift end means that, given the balance of powers, it will end with a victory for the allies," Schroeder said. "Whatever one's position was on whether this war should have ever been started - and my position on this is clear - another result is not desirable." Last week, Schroeder, who remained steadfastly opposed to a US-led war in Iraq in the run-up to the fighting and joined with France and Russia to successfully block the United States' chances of passing a UN Security Council resolution to condone the attack, began indicating that Germany was trying to mend relations with the United States. Yet he reiterated his call today for the United Nations to play a leading role in post-war Iraq, emphasizing that it is essential for bringing stability to the region. Schroeder called this process "the real work" to bring about change in the Middle East.
Bureau Report