Ain-Al-Yaqeen - June 11, 2004

		June 11, 2004

THE WORLD WELCOMES THE UNSC RESOLUTION ON THE FUTURE OF IRAQ.
THE TEXT OF THE UNSC RESOLUTION.
THE G8 DECIDE TO SET UP A FORUM FOR THE FUTURE AND PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MIDDLE EAST.
THE POPE CALLS UPON BUSH TO NATURALIZE THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
AN OFFICIAL BRITISH CALL FOR PARTNERSHIP WITH SYRIA REGARDING IRAQ.

A week after the formation of an interim government of Iraq, the United Nations Security Council unanimously endorsed the new leadership and paved the way for Iraqis to assume "full responsibility and authority" for their country, including decisions on security matters, at the end of the month.

In a 15-0 vote, the Council adopted a resolution welcoming the end of the occupation of Iraq by 30 June and the dissolution of the United States-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) at that time, enabling Iraq to "reassert its full sovereignty."

Following is the text of the UNSC resolution:

Welcoming the beginning of a new phase in Iraq's transition to a democratically elected government, and looking forward to the end of the occupation and the assumption of full responsibility and authority by a fully sovereign and independent Interim Government of Iraq by 30 June 2004,

Recalling all of its previous relevant resolutions on Iraq,

Reaffirming the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Iraq,

Reaffirming also the right of the Iraqi people freely to determine their own political future and control their own natural resources,

Recognizing the importance of international support, particularly that of countries in the region, Iraq's neighbours, and regional organizations, for the people of Iraq in their efforts to achieve security and prosperity, and noting that the successful implementation of this resolution will contribute to regional stability,

Welcoming the efforts of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General to assist the people of Iraq in achieving the formation of the Interim Government of Iraq, as set out in the letter of the Secretary-General of 7 June 2004 (S/2004/461),

Taking note of the dissolution of the Governing Council of Iraq, and welcoming the progress made in implementing the arrangements for Iraq's political transition referred to in resolution 1511 (2003) of 16 October 2003,

Welcoming the commitment of the Interim Government of Iraq to work towards a federal, democratic, pluralist and unified Iraq, in which there is full respect for political and human rights,

Stressing the need for all parties to respect and protect Iraq's archaeological, historical, cultural and religious heritage,

Affirming the importance of the rule of law, national reconciliation, respect for human rights including the rights of women, fundamental freedoms, and democracy including free and fair elections,

Recalling the establishment of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on 14 August 2003, and affirming that the United Nations should play a leading role in assisting the Iraqi people and government in the formation of institutions for representative government,

Recognizing that international support for restoration of stability and security is essential to the well-being of the people of Iraq as well as to the ability of all concerned to carry out their work on behalf of the people of Iraq, and welcoming Member State contributions in this regard under resolution 1483 (2003) of 22 May 2003 and resolution 1511 (2003),

Recalling the report provided by the United States to the Security Council on 16 April 2004 on the efforts and progress made by the multinational force,

Recognizing the request conveyed in the letter of 5 June 2004 from the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Iraq to the President of the Council, which is annexed to this resolution, to retain the presence of the multinational force,

Recognizing also the importance of the consent of the sovereign Government of Iraq for the presence of the multinational force and of close coordination between the multinational force and that government,

Welcoming the willingness of the multinational force to continue efforts to contribute to the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq in support of the political transition, especially for upcoming elections, and to provide security for the United Nations presence in Iraq, as described in the letter of 5 June 2004 from the United States Secretary of State to the President of the Council, which is annexed to this resolution,

Noting the commitment of all forces promoting the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq to act in accordance with international law, including obligations under international humanitarian law, and to cooperate with relevant international organizations,

Affirming the importance of international assistance in reconstruction and development of the Iraqi economy,

Recognizing the benefits to Iraq of the immunities and privileges enjoyed by Iraqi oil revenues and by the Development Fund for Iraq, and noting the importance of providing for continued disbursements of this fund by the Interim Government of Iraq and its successors upon dissolution of the Coalition Provisional Authority,

Determining that the situation in Iraq continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Endorses the formation of a sovereign Interim Government of Iraq, as presented on 1 June 2004, which will assume full responsibility and authority by 30 June 2004 for governing Iraq while refraining from taking any actions affecting Iraq's destiny beyond the limited interim period until an elected Transitional Government of Iraq assumes office as envisaged in paragraph four below;

2. Welcomes that, also by 30 June 2004, the occupation will end and the Coalition Provisional Authority will cease to exist, and that Iraq will reassert its full sovereignty;

3. Reaffirms the right of the Iraqi people freely to determine their own political future and to exercise full authority and control over their financial and natural resources;

4. Endorses the proposed timetable for Iraq's political transition to democratic government including:
(a) formation of the sovereign Interim Government of Iraq that will assume governing responsibility and authority by 30 June 2004;
(b) convening of a national conference reflecting the diversity of Iraqi society; and
(c) holding of direct democratic elections by 31 December 2004 if possible, and in no case later than 31 January 2005, to a Transitional National Assembly, which will, inter alia, have responsibility for forming a Transitional Government of Iraq and drafting a permanent constitution for Iraq leading to a constitutionally elected government by 31 December 2005;

5. Invites the Government of Iraq to consider how the convening of an international meeting could support the above process, and notes that it would welcome such a meeting to support the Iraqi political transition and Iraqi recovery, to the benefit of the Iraqi people, and in the interest of stability in the region;

6. Calls on all Iraqis to implement these arrangements peaceably and in full, and on all States and relevant organizations to support such implementation;

7. Decides that in implementing, as circumstances permit, their mandate to assist the Iraqi people and government, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), as requested by the Government of Iraq, shall:
(a) play a leading role to:
(i) assist in the convening, during the month of July 2004, of a national conference to select a Consultative Council;
(ii) advise and support the Interim Government of Iraq, the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, and the Transitional National Assembly on the process for holding elections;
(iii) promote national dialogue and consensus-building on the drafting of a national constitution by the people of Iraq;

(b) and also:
(i) advise the Government of Iraq in the development of effective civil and social services;
(ii) contribute to the coordination and delivery of reconstruction, development, and humanitarian assistance;
(iii) promote the protection of human rights, national reconciliation, and judicial and legal reform in order to strengthen the rule of law in Iraq; and
(iv) advise and assist the Government of Iraq on initial planning for the eventual conduct of a comprehensive census;

8. Welcomes ongoing efforts by the incoming Interim Government of Iraq to develop Iraqi security forces including the Iraqi armed forces (hereinafter referred to as "Iraqi security forces"), operating under the authority of the Interim Government of Iraq and its successors, which will progressively play a greater role and ultimately assume full responsibility for the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq;

9. Notes that the presence of the multinational force in Iraq is at the request of the incoming Interim Government of Iraq and therefore reaffirms the authorization for the multinational force under unified command established under resolution 1511 (2003) having regard to the letters annexed to this resolution;

10. Decides that the multinational force shall have the authority to take all necessary measures to contribute to the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq in accordance with the letters annexed to this resolution expressing, inter alia, the Iraqi request for the continued presence of the multinational force and setting out its tasks, including by preventing and deterring terrorism, so that, inter alia, the United Nations can fulfil its role in assisting the Iraqi people as outlined in paragraph seven above and the Iraqi people can implement freely and without intimidation the timetable and program for the political process and benefit from reconstruction and rehabilitation activities;

11. Welcomes in this regard the letters annexed to this resolution stating, inter alia, that arrangements are being put in place to establish a security partnership between the sovereign Government of Iraq and the multinational force and to ensure coordination between the two, and notes also in this regard that Iraqi security forces are responsible to appropriate Iraqi ministers, that the Government of Iraq has authority to commit Iraqi security forces to the multinational force to engage in operations with it, and that the security structures described in the letters will serve as the fora for the Government of Iraq and the multinational force to reach agreement on the full range of fundamental security and policy issues, including policy on sensitive offensive operations, and will ensure full partnership between Iraqi security forces and the multinational force, through close coordination and consultation;

12. Decides further that the mandate for the multinational force shall be reviewed at the request of the Government of Iraq or twelve months from the date of this resolution, and that this mandate shall expire upon the completion of the political process set out in paragraph four above, and declares that it will terminate this mandate earlier if requested by the Government of Iraq;

13. Notes the intention, set out in the annexed letter from the United States Secretary of State, to create a distinct entity under unified command of the multinational force with a dedicated mission to provide security for the United Nations presence in Iraq, recognizes that the implementation of measures to provide security for staff members of the United Nations system working in Iraq would require significant resources, and calls upon Member States and relevant organizations to provide such resources, including contributions to that entity;

14. Recognizes that the multinational force will also assist in building the capability of the Iraqi security forces and institutions, through a program of recruitment, training, equipping, mentoring and monitoring;

15. Requests Member States and international and regional organizations to contribute assistance to the multinational force, including military forces, as agreed with the Government of Iraq, to help meet the needs of the Iraqi people for security and stability, humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, and to support the efforts of UNAMI;

16. Emphasizes the importance of developing effective Iraqi police, border enforcement, and Facilities Protection Service, under the control of the Interior Ministry of Iraq, and, in the case of the Facilities Protection Service, other Iraqi ministries, for the maintenance of law, order, and security, including combating terrorism, and requests Member States and international organizations to assist the Government of Iraq in building the capability of these Iraqi institutions;

17. Condemns all acts of terrorism in Iraq, reaffirms the obligations of Member States under resolutions 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001, 1267 (1999) of 15 October 1999, 1333 (2000) of 19 December 2000, 1390 (2002) of 16 January 2002, 1455 (2003) of 17 January 2003, and 1526 (2004) of 30 January 2004, and other relevant international obligations with respect, inter alia, to terrorist activities in and from Iraq or against its citizens, and specifically reiterates its call upon Member States to prevent the transit of terrorists to and from Iraq, arms for terrorists, and financing that would support terrorists, and re-emphasizes the importance of strengthening the cooperation of the countries of the region, particularly neighbours of Iraq, in this regard;

18. Recognizes that the Interim Government of Iraq will assume the primary role in coordinating international assistance to Iraq;

19. Welcomes efforts by Member States and international organizations to respond in support of requests by the Interim Government of Iraq to provide technical and expert assistance, while Iraq is rebuilding administrative capacity;

20. Reiterates its request that Member States, international financial institutions and other organizations strengthen their efforts to assist the people of Iraq in the reconstruction and development of the Iraqi economy, including by providing international experts and necessary resources through a coordinated programme of donor assistance;

21. Decides that the prohibitions related to the sale or supply to Iraq of arms and related materiel under previous resolutions shall not apply to arms or related materiel required by the Government of Iraq or the multinational force to serve the purposes of this resolution, stresses the importance for all States to abide strictly by them, and notes the significance of Iraq's neighbours in this regard, and calls upon the Government of Iraq and the multinational force each to ensure that appropriate implementation procedures are in place;

22. Notes that nothing in the preceding paragraph affects the prohibitions on or obligations of States related to items specified in paragraphs 8 and 12 of resolution 687 (1991) of 3 April 1991 or activities described in paragraph 3 (f) of resolution 707 (1991) of 15 August 1991, and reaffirms its intention to revisit the mandates of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification, and Inspection Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency;

23. Calls on Member States and international organizations to respond to Iraqi requests to assist Iraqi efforts to integrate Iraqi veterans and former militia members into Iraqi society;

24. Notes that, upon dissolution of the Coalition Provisional Authority, the funds in the Development Fund for Iraq shall be disbursed solely at the direction of the Government of Iraq, and decides that the Development Fund for Iraq shall be utilized in a transparent and equitable manner and through the Iraqi budget including to satisfy outstanding obligations against the Development Fund for Iraq, that the arrangements for the depositing of proceeds from export sales of petroleum, petroleum products, and natural gas established in paragraph 20 of resolution 1483 (2003) shall continue to apply, that the International Advisory and Monitoring Board shall continue its activities in monitoring the Development Fund for Iraq and shall include as an additional full voting member a duly qualified individual designated by the Government of Iraq and that appropriate arrangements shall be made for the continuation of deposits of the proceeds referred to in paragraph 21 of resolution 1483 (2003);

25. Decides further that the provisions in the above paragraph for the deposit of proceeds into the DFI and for the role of the IAMB shall be reviewed at the request of the Transitional Government of Iraq or twelve months from the date of this resolution, and shall expire upon the completion of the political process set out in paragraph four above;

26. Decides that, in connection with the dissolution of the Coalition Provisional Authority, the Interim Government of Iraq and its successors shall assume the rights, responsibilities and obligations relating to the Oil-for-Food Programme that were transferred to the Authority, including all operational responsibility for the Programme and any obligations undertaken by the Authority in connection with such responsibility, and responsibility for ensuring independently authenticated confirmation that goods have been delivered, and further decides that, following a 120-day transition period from the date of adoption of this resolution, the Interim Government of Iraq and its successors shall assume responsibility for certifying delivery of goods under previously prioritized contracts, and that such certification shall be deemed to constitute the independent authentication required for the release of funds associated with such contracts, consulting as appropriate to ensure the smooth implementation of these arrangements;

27. Further decides that the provisions of paragraph 22 of resolution 1483 (2003) shall continue to apply, except that the privileges and immunities provided in that paragraph shall not apply with respect to any final judgement arising out of a contractual obligation entered into by Iraq after 30 June 2004;

28. Welcomes the commitments of many creditors, including those of the Paris Club, to identify ways to reduce substantially Iraq's sovereign debt, calls on Member States, as well as internationa1 and regional organizations, to support the Iraq reconstruction effort, urges the international financial institutions and bilateral donors to take the immediate steps necessary to provide their full range of loans and other financial assistance and arrangements to Iraq, recognizes that the Interim Government of Iraq will have the authority to conclude and implement such agreements and other arrangements as may be necessary in this regard, and requests creditors, institutions and donors to work as a priority on these matters with the Interim Government of Iraq and its successors;

29. Recalls the continuing obligations of Member States to freeze and transfer certain funds, assets, and economic resources to the Development Fund for Iraq in accordance with paragraphs 19 and 23 of resolution 1483 (2003) and with resolution 1518 (2003) of 24 November 2003;

30. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council within three months from the date of this resolution on UNAMI operations in Iraq, and on a quarterly basis thereafter on the progress made towards national elections and fulfilment of all UNAMI's responsibilities;

31. Requests that the United States, on behalf of the multinational force, report to the Council within three months from the date of this resolution on the efforts and progress of this force, and on a quarterly basis thereafter;

32. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Annex

Text of letters from the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Iraq Dr. Ayad Allawi and United States Secretary of State Colin L. Powell to the President of the Council.

Republic of Iraq
Prime Minister Office
Excellency:
On my appointment as Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Iraq, I am writing to express the commitment of the people of Iraq to complete the political transition process to establish a free, and democratic Iraq and to be a partner in preventing and combating terrorism.

As we enter a critical new stage, regain full sovereignty and move towards elections, we will need the assistance of the international community.

The Interim Government of Iraq will make every effort to ensure that these elections are fully democratic, free and fair. Security and stability continue to be essential to our political transition. There continue, however, to be forces in Iraq, including foreign elements, that are opposed to our transition to peace, democracy, and security. The Government is determined to overcome these forces, and to develop security forces capable of providing adequate security for the Iraqi people. Until we are able to provide security for ourselves, including the defence of Iraq's land, sea and air space, we ask for the support of the Security Council and the international community in this endeavour.

We seek a new resolution on the Multinational Force (MNF) mandate to contribute to maintaining security in Iraq, including through the tasks and arrangements set out in the letter from Secretary of State Colin Powell to the President of the United Nations Security Council. The Government requests that the Security Council review the mandate of the MNF at the request of the Transitional Government of Iraq, or twelve months from the date on which such a resolution is adopted.

In order to discharge the Iraqi Government's responsibility for security, I intend to establish appropriate security structures that will allow my Government and Iraqi security forces to progressively take on that responsibility. One such structure is the Ministerial Committee for National Security, consisting of myself as the Chair, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the Minister of Defense, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Finance.

The National Security Advisor, and Director of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service will serve as permanent advisory members of the committee. This forum will set the board framework for Iraqi security policy. I intend to invite, as appropriate, the MNF commander, his Deputy, or the MNF

His Excellency
Mr. Lauro L. Baja, Jr.
President of the Security Council
United Nations
New York,
New York Commander's designative representative, and other appropriate individuals, to attend and participate as well, and will stand ready to discuss mechanisms of coordination and cooperation with the MNF. Iraqi armed forces will be responsible to the Chief of Staff and Minister of Defense. Other security forces (the Iraqi police, border guards and Facilities Protection Service) will be responsible to the Minister of the Interior or other government ministers.

In addition, the relevant ministers and I will develop further mechanisms for coordination with the MNF. Intend to create with the MNF coordination bodies at national, regional, and local levels, that will include Iraqi security forces commanders and civilian leadership, to ensure that Iraqi security forces will coordinate with the MNF on all security policy and operations issues in order to achieve unity of command of military operations in which Iraqi forces are engaged with MNF. In addition, the MNF and Iraqi government leaders will keep each other informed of their activities, consult regularly to ensure effective allocation and use of personnel, resources and facilities, will share intelligence, and will refer issues up the respective chains of command where necessary, Iraqi security forces will take on progressively greater responsibility as Iraqi capabilities improve.

The structures I have described in this letter will serve as the fora for the MNF and the Iraqi government to reach agreement on the full range of fundamental security and policy issues, including policy on sensitive offensive operations, and will ensure full partnership between Iraqi forces and the MNF, through close coordination and consultation. Since these are sensitive issues for a number of sovereign governments, including Iraq and the United States, they need to be resolved in the framework of a mutual understanding on our strategic partnership. We will be working closely with the MNF leadership in the coming weeks to ensure that we have such an agreed strategic framework.

We are ready to take sovereign responsibility for governing Iraq by June 30. We are well aware of the difficulties facing us, and of our responsibilities to the Iraqi people. The stakes are great, and we need the support of the international community to succeed. We ask the Security Council to help us by acting now to adopt a Security Council resolution giving us necessary support.

I understand that the Co-sponsors intend to annex this letter to the resolution on Iraq under consideration. In the meantime, I request that you provide copies of this letter to members of the Council as quickly as possible.

(Signed) Dr. Ayad Allawi

The Secretary of State
Washington

Excellency:

Recognizing the request of the government of Iraq for the continued presence of the Multi-National Force (MNF) in Iraq, and following consultations with Prime Minister Ayad Allawi of the Iraqi Interim Government, I am writing to confirm that the MNF under unified command is prepared to continue to contribute to the maintenance of security in Iraq, including by preventing and deterring terrorism and protecting the territory of Iraq. The goal of the MNF will be to help the Iraqi people to complete the political transition and will permit the United Nations and the international community to work to facilitate Iraq's reconstruction.

The ability of the Iraqi people to achieve their goals will be heavily influenced by the security situation in Iraq. As recent events have demonstrated, continuing attacks by insurgents, including former regime elements, foreign fighters, and illegal militias challenge all those who are working for a better Iraq.

Development of an effective and cooperative security partnership between the MNF and the sovereign Government of Iraq is critical to the stability of Iraq. The commander of the MNF will work in partnership with the sovereign Government of Iraq in helping to provide security while recognizing and respecting its sovereignty. To that end, the MNF stands ready to participate in discussions of the Ministerial Committee for National Security on the broad framework of security policy, as referred to in the letter from Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Iraq Allawi dated June 5, 2004. On the implementation of this policy, recognizing that Iraqi security forces are responsible to the appropriate Iraqi ministers, the MNF will coordinate with Iraqi security forces at all levels - national, regional, and local - in order to achieve unity of command of military operations in which Iraqi forces are engaged with the MNF. In addition, the MNF and the Iraqi government leaders will keep each other informed of their activities, consult regularly to ensure effective allocation and use of personnel, resources, and facilities, will share intelligence, and will refer issues up the respective chains of command where necessary. We will work in the fora described by Prime Minister Allawi in his June 5 letter to reach agreement on the full range of fundamental security and policy issues, including policy on sensitive offensive operations, and will ensure full partnership between MNF and Iraqi forces, through close coordination and consultation.

His Excellency
Mr. Lauro L. Baja, Jr.
President of the Security Council
United Nations
New York,
New York, Under the agreed arrangement, the MNF stands ready to continue to undertake a broad range of tasks to contribute to the maintenance of security and to ensure force protection. These include activities necessary to counter ongoing security threats posed by forces seeking to influence Iraq's political future through violence. This will include combat operations against members of these groups, internment where this is necessary for imperative reasons of security, and the continued search for and securing of weapons that threaten Iraq's security. A further objective will be to train and equip Iraqi security forces that will increasingly take responsibility for maintaining Iraq's security. The MNF also stands ready as needed to participate in the provision of humanitarian assistance, civil affairs support, and relief and reconstruction assistance requested by the Iraqi Interim Government and in line with previous Security Council Resolutions.

In addition, the MNF is prepared to establish or support a force within the MNF to provide for the security of personnel and facilities of the United Nations. We have consulted closely with UN officials regarding the United Nations' security requirements and believe that a brigade-size force will be needed to support the United Nations' security effort. This force will be under the command and control of the MNF commander, and its missions will include static and perimeter security at UN facilities, and convoy escort duties for the UN mission's travel requirements.

In order to continue to contribute to security, the MNF must continue to function under a framework that affords the force and its personnel the status that they need to accomplish their mission, and in which the contributing states have responsibility for exercising jurisdiction over their personnel and which will ensure arrangements for, and use of assets by, the MNF. The existing framework governing these matters is sufficient for these purposes. In addition, the forces that make up the MNF are and will remain committed at all times to act consistently with their obligations under the law of armed conflict, including the Geneva Conventions.

The MNF is prepared to continue to pursue its current efforts to assist in providing a secure environment in which the broader international community is able to fulfill its important role in facilitating Iraq's reconstruction. In meeting these responsibilities in the period ahead, we will act in full recognition of and respect for Iraqi sovereignty. We look to other member states and international and regional organizations to assist the people of Iraq and the sovereign Iraqi government in overcoming the challenges that lie ahead to build a democratic, secure and prosperous country.

The co-sponsors intend to annex this letter to the resolution on Iraq under consideration. In the meantime, I request that you provide copies of this letter to members of the Council as quickly as possible.

Sincerely, (Signed) Colin L. Powell

On the other hand the U.S. and its seven fellow Group of Eight members approved Wednesday, June 9, a common approach to reform in the Middle East, but ran into differences over a role for NATO in Iraq.

U.S. President George Bush won an endorsement from the G8 leaders for his plans for social, political and economic reform in the Middle East and northern Africa.

They also decided to create a "forum for the future" to provide a "ministerial framework for our ongoing dialogue."

"Our support for reform in the region will go hand in hand with our support for a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict," G8 officials said in a joint statement.

French President Jacques Chirac told a summit lunch that democracy could not be imposed from outside and ending Middle East conflicts had to be the priority.

"We must stand ready to help. But we must also take care not to provoke," said the French leader.

"For that would be to risk feeding extremism and falling into the fatal trap of the clash of 'civilizations:' precisely what we wish to avoid."

Critics had said the plan was a smokescreen for a lack of U.S. involvement in Israel-Palestinian peacemaking.

The G8 summit had been billed as a chance to consign old animosity over the U.S.-led invasion of the oil Arab country to history, after the unanimous passage of a new U.N. resolution on Iraq last Tuesday, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP).

However, the new G8 harmony appeared in jeopardy when Bush and Chirac gave conflicting statements on whether NATO should help bring stability to war-torn Iraq.

Bush had called for a greater presence of the western military alliance in occupied Iraq.

"We believe NATO ought to be involved," he said, admitting that "a lot of NATO countries are not in a position to commit more troops."

Facing a knife-edge reelection battle, Bush wants to ease the plight of U.S. troops, many of whom are reservists or on extended tours as they battle a staunch Iraqi resistance.

Chirac, however, told a news conference he did not think it was the "mission" of NATO to intervene in Iraq.

"Nor do I think it would be relevant or well-understood in Iraq," he asserted.

The French leader said Paris would be willing to consider the idea if the interim Iraqi government due to take over in Iraq requested it.

Asked about Chirac's remarks, a senior Bush administration official said: "I think we'll see some movement on NATO having some role."

Although the U.S., Britain and other NATO members have troops in Iraq, the alliance has no formal role in the country.

The G8 leaders, however, agreed to forgive a "substantial" part of Iraq's 120 billion dollar debt but has not set a precise figure.

The question of Iraq's debt is a thorny one, with the U.S. pushing for up to 90 percent to be canceled and European countries such as France unwilling to go so far.

A French official, who asked not to be named, told reporters at the G8 summit that a text agreed upon by the leaders contains "the idea of a 'substantial' treatment of the debt. This suits us fine."

But he said no precise percentage was included in the declaration.

For France, a substantial portion would be around 50 percent and no more, while Canada has discussed canceling two-thirds of the Iraqi debt.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to cancel 65 percent of the Iraqi debt and is also linking the move to the ability of his country's businesses to operate in Iraq, a Russian official said.

He quoted Putin as telling Bush that "our flexibility will depend on yours and the capacity of our businesses to work in Iraq."

US President George W Bush used the Group of Eight economic summit to introduce the new Iraqi president, Ghazi al-Yawer.

He also used the forum to push his own initiative to promote democratic reforms through the Middle East.

"The United States supports a transfer of full sovereignty to you Mr President" said Bush during his meeting with Ghazi al-Yawer.

The new Iraq President answering by saying that the Iraqi people is committed to move towards democracy.

"We're determined to have a free, democratic, federal Iraq, a country that is a source of stability to the Middle East", said Ghazi al Yawer.

In their private meeting, Bush and al-Yawer discussed the reconstruction of Iraq in some detail.

A Broader Middle East and North þAfrica Initiative was launched in Georgia by G8 leaders featuring plans þ to establish a "Forum for the Future" and a "Plan of Support."þ þ

The U.S.-led initiative -- originally called the Greater Middle East þ þInitiative, then the Broader Middle East Initiative -- was scaled back from its original grander vision for democracy and political reform in the region. þ þ

That version of the plan, leaked last February, was derided in the Arab world þas an attempt at outside imposition.þ þ

The initiative, now entitled a "Partnership for Progress and a Common þ þFuture," aims to support efforts to advance freedom, democracy and prosperity þin the region, according to a White House press release.þ þ

The initiative emerged following meetings among the leaders of þ þthe G8 -- the United States, Russia, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Canada þand Japan -- and the leaders of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, þTunisia, Turkey, Yemen and the new president of Iraq.þ

þThe initiative calls for the establishment of a "Forum for the Future" to þbring together in one forum G8 and regional foreign, economic and other ministers for regular discussions on reform, with business and civil society leaders participating in parallel dialogues, according to the White House. The inaugural meeting of the forum will be held this fall.

The "Plan of Support" adopted by the G8 will offer assistance through the following new initiatives, according to the White House:þ þ

A Democracy Assistance Dialogue will bring together democracy foundations, þ civil society groups and governments from the G8, the region and other þ countries to promote and strengthen democratic institutions, coordinate and þ share information on democracy programs, initiate new democracy programs and sponsor exchanges. Turkey, Yemen and Italy will co-sponsor the Democracy Assistance Dialogue and co-host the first meeting later this year.þ þ

A Microfinance Initiative will help more than two million entrepreneurs þescape poverty through microfinance loans over the next five years. Jordan þwill host a Microfinance Best Practices Training Center, and Yemen will host þthe first microfinance pilot project.þ þ

A Literacy Initiative will assist the region's efforts to halve the þ þilliteracy rate over the next decade, including by training a corps of 100,000 þteachers by 2009. Afghanistan and Algeria will co-sponsor this initiative.þ þ

A Business and Entrepreneurship Training Initiative will help up to 250,000 þ young entrepreneurs, especially women, expand their employment opportunities. þ Bahrain and Morocco will co-sponsor this initiative.þ þ

A Private Enterprise Development Facility at the International Finance þ þCorporation will invest 100 million dollars to finance small and medium-sized þ enterprises.þ þ

A Network of Funds will coordinate the work of development institutions and þ international financial institutions working in the region.þ

A Task Force on Investment will assist efforts in the region to improve the business climate.þ þ

The Plan of Support also commits the G8 to work in partnership with the þ region's governments, business leaders and civil society to "intensify and þ expand" existing programs, focusing on promoting democracy, improving þeducation and creating jobs and economic growth, the White House said.

The declaration on the initiative, issued by all the þ G8 leaders, says that in launching the partnership the G8 will adhere to þ several principles, including the following:þ

The resolution of long-lasting, often bitter disputes, especially the þ þIsraeli-Palestinian conflict, is an important element of progress in the þ þregion.þ þ

Regional conflicts must not be an obstacle for reforms. Indeed, reforms may þmake a significant contribution toward resolving them.þ þ

The restoration of peace and stability in Iraq is critical to the þ þwell-being of millions of Iraqis and the security of the region.þ þ

Successful reform depends on the countries in the region, and change should not and cannot be imposed from the outside.þ þ

Each country is unique, and their diversity should be respected. Our þ þengagement must repond to local conditions and be based on local ownership. þ þ

Each society will reach its own conclusions about the pace and scope of þ þchange. Yet distinctiveness, important as it is, must not be exploited to þ þprevent reform.þ þ

Supporting reform in the region, for the benefit of all its citizens, is a þ þlong-term effort and requires the G8 and the region to make a generational þ commitment.

Meanwhile Chris Patten warned as he set out a blueprint for relations between the European Union and Iraq, that Iraq is facing a "make-or-break" phase, EU External Relations Commissioner.

The EU welcomed the UN Security Council resolution agreed unanimously mapping out the transfer of power in Iraq after the US-led coalition hands over sovereignty on June 30.

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said the 25-nation bloc backed "the reintegration of Iraq into the international community as a sovereign, independent and democratic country". But he added: "The situation remains complex and security is still a serious concern. It is my sincere hope that the adoption of this resolution will contribute to bring stability and prosperity to the Iraqi people." Patten, unveiling new proposals including the first-ever EU diplomatic representation in Baghdad, underlined that restoring security would be key to all international attempts to rebuilding the country.

"The next few months are likely to be make-or-break for Iraq's transition," he told reporters, calling on the United States and others to do all in their power to "build up the authority and credibility of the interim government". The new set of proposals from the European Commission map out the way forward for the EU and Iraq's new administration after the upcoming handover, as well as further ahead.

The proposals were requested by EU leaders at a summit last October which marked an attempt by the bloc's bickering governments to put aside their differences over the war to focus on the longer-term challenges facing Iraq. The commission suggested three medium-term priorities for the EU's dealings with Iraq: helping to develop stable democracy, creating a diversified market economy, and ensuring Iraq's international re-integration.

On the other hand Egypt and the Arab League stressed the importance of a UN role in Iraq, with Cairo saying it was still studying the UN Security Council resolution on the return of sovereignty to the Iraqis. "Egypt is studying the UN Security Council resolution," Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher told journalists, adding that "matters can go in the right direction ... if the UN assumes its role" as envisaged in the resolution.

Arab League secretary general Amr Mussa described the UN resolution, passed unanimously by the Security Council, as "the start of a new process in Iraq."

On the other hand in a meeting between Pope John Paul and President Bush at the Vatican the Pope said that there have been "encouraging" steps in Iraq.

But the pontiff also reminded Bush of the Vatican's opposition to the war, and he called for U-N involvement in a "speedy return" of sovereignty to Iraqis.

The two had their first meeting since the Iraq War, which the pontiff opposed.

Afterward, the 84-year-old pope spoke from a wheelchair -- his hands shaking and his frail voice difficult to understand.

But a transcript supplied by the Vatican shows him urging the situation in Iraq be "normalized as quickly as possible."

Bush didn't reply directly, but promised to "work for human liberty and human dignity."

He also presented the Pope with the presidential medal of freedom -- America's highest civilian honor -- telling the pope that in America, he's "respected, admired and greatly loved."

In Syria Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara received British State Minister for the Middle East Affairs, Baroness Elizabeth Symons.

Symons handed Shara a letter to President Bashar al-Assad from British Prime Minister Tony Blair pertaining to Iraq.

Talks during the meeting dealt with the latest developments in the region and contribution that Syria may offer regarding the achievement of security and stability in Iraq.

In this regard, Shara stressed Syria's complete readiness to help the Iraqi people to achieve what they aspire to particularly regarding ending the occupation, maintaining Iraq's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Shara and Symons also discussed the bilateral relations between Syria and Britain.

Later, Baroness Symons described her talks with Shara as fruitful.

"Talks dealt with Iraq's issue, the importance of giving back sovereignty to Iraqis in addition to the forthcoming elections." She said in a statement to reporters

On the Syrian-European Association, she stressed that there would be a follow up to this issue adding that the European Union and United Kingdom desire to sign the Association Agreement with Syria.

Concerning Syria's Accountability Act Symons said "It's a US act an the United Kingdom has nothing to do with because it believes in dialogue principle."