Annan to consider idea of holding direct Iraq election
By Mark Turner at the United Nations
Published: January 20 2004 4:00 | Last Updated: January 20 2004 4:00
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Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General is to consider sending a team to examine whether direct elections were a feasible way of choosing a provisional Iraqi government by the end of June, or to look for possible alternatives.
But he added that no decision had been taken, and stressed that "the scope for UN operational activities inside Iraq will continue to be constrained by the security situation for some time to come".
His statement on Monday followed a strong appeal by both the US-led coalition and representatives of Iraq's Governing Council, as they sought ways to diffuse a potentially disastrous confrontation with Shia leaders.
The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) and the Governing Council had agreed that a provisional legislature and government would be selected by regional caucuses, but Ayatollah Ali Sistani, an influential Shia cleric, has called for direct elections instead.
Mr Annan has already suggested there may not be time for free and fair elections, but the UN is wary of being sucked into a political battle without commensurate authority.
Mr Annan nevertheless conceded time was running out, and that the current phase was crucial to the long-term success of the transition. "We are conscious that it is a situation that requires urgent action," he said. Adnan Pachachi, president of the Governing Council, said Iraqis were united on the June 30 deadline for the handover of sovereignty, and that it was "preferable, if possible" to elect members of the transitional legislative council.
"A large section of Iraqis feel the matter should be investigated further," he said. But he noted that time was short.
Abdel Aziz Hakim, an official in the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) who is believed to reflect Ayatollah Sistani's views, said: "There should be a real participation of the people through elections in choosing this council."
But "if this is not possible we should search for alternatives; after we establish the principle of referring the matter to the people". He suggested any conclusions by a UN team "would be respected" by Ayatollah Sistani.
Paul Bremer, US administrator in Iraq, said technical discussions would begin on Monday afternoon, adding: "We are open to clarifications and elaborations on the technique by which the Transitional National Assembly will be selected."
Jeremy Greenstock, the UK special representative to Iraq, said: "It would be a positive move for the UN team to come and give advice and guidance. Momentum was added to that prospect by this morning's discussion."
Ironically, Monday's meeting took place almost a year to the day after UN Security Council members held one of their most bruising arguments Iraq, revealing deep divisions over the prospects of military action.
But on Monday Mr Annan said: "The stability of Iraq should be everyone's business. We have an opportunity to work together to try and move forward."
In response to questions, Mr Annan also said he had taken no decision on how to involve Lakhdar Brahimi, the former special representative to Afghanistan, in the process. |
