UN role in Iraq
This refers to your editorial "Bush Blair turn to UN" published on 23 April. The write-up was timely, well thought out and to the point. For the nations which believe in democratic principles and have faith in the only international organisation of its kind, the UN, the fact remains that working out and playing the pivotal role in Iraq will not be easy for the world body. There are three core issues, among others, which the UN should seriously look into before it actually lands itself in Iraq. First, the role of the Coalition forces visa-a-vis the role of the UN (peace keeping forces), namely their joint and separate responsibilities. Second, the formation of the Interim Government. It must be different and away in style and content from those of the present Governing Council, which is largely viewed both by the Iraqis as well as the world community as a stooge of the Americans. In forming the new interim government, special attention should be given to people from within the country more than the returnees from exile. Third, the trial of Saddam should take place at the International Court of Justice at The Hague.
The UN this time must deal with matters with extreme resilience and courage. Let no superpower(s) call it "irrelevant" ever again. And if things do not go the right way based on the principles that the UN stands for, the Secretary General may go the extent of choosing the path of "resignation". After all, what more has he to lose? He has achieved all that an individual can hope and aspire for in a lifetime.
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