Washington, Sept 12: US President George W. Bush has said that other nations, including those who were opposed to war in Iraq, have an obligation to participate in the reconstruction of the war-ravaged country. "A free Iraq would be in their nations' benefit. It will make the world more peaceful and more secure," he said.
A free Iraq in the heart of the middle east will makes it more easy for the US not only to secure America and other free nations but will make it easier for there to be peace in the long run, Bush said yesterday.
Therefore, he said, "I would hope that nations would participate, and to the extent that some nations need an additional UN resolution, this could be helpful in encouraging international participation." Bush pointed out that Secretary of State Colin Powell will hold talks with foreign ministers of the other permanent members of the Security Council, as well as UN Secretary General Kofi Annan today.
Meanwhile, Powell, in an interview to an Arab TV network, indicated that there were limits to which the US can go to secure a UN resolution. He said the UN has a vital role but he firmly ruled out turning Iraq over to the UN. "By going to war," said Powell, "We assumed responsibility for the country. We knew that under international law we had to become the government." Bureau Report