Vol. 565 No. 1
168 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is proposed to extend recognition to whatever form of US-dominated administrative council emerges in Iraq when the current conflict has been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10317/03]
At this point we do not know what circumstances may attend the end of the conflict in Iraq. Various arrangements could be envisaged for the administration of Iraq in the event that the current Government of Iraq is no longer in control of the country.
One possibility could be the early appointment of an interim authority, whose composition has yet to be decided, which would then be endorsed by the UN Security Council. This body would pave the way for elections leading to the formation of a Government. It will be essential to encourage the development of indigenous political forces.
Ireland is of the view that the UN should play a central and substantive role in whatever arrangement is decided upon. We look forward to the establishment of a functioning, viable democracy in Iraq.
The Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan, is consulting the members of the Security Council on the role to be taken by the UN and he has already appointed Mr. Rafeeudin Ahmed as his special adviser on Iraq.
The Government will consider the situation as it evolves. It has been the policy of successive Irish Governments to limit recognition to states and not to formally recognise governments. We will wish to co-operate with legitimate authorities as they emerge in humanitarian assistance and the rebuilding of Iraq.
