Phnom Penh, June 17: Southeast Asian countries said today they supported a ``central and vital role'' for the United Nations in the reconstruction and development in Iraq. This is ``in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Iraq and with the UN's responsibility in the maintenance of international peace and stability,'' the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations said at the end of a two-day meeting.
Their statement made no mention of the United States' role in the future of Iraq. Of Asean's 10 members only Singapore and the Philippines openly supported the US-led war that removed Saddam Hussein from power. It said any effort that affects Iraq's future must respect the ``sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and security of Iraq.'' The Asean statement urged the international community to provide ``adequate assistance to the people of Iraq to meet their basic needs.'' Bureau Report