Powell says USA will transfer control over Iraq to Iraqi people

The USA is going to consult UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on the possible functions and powers of a special coordinator of the Secretary General in Iraq.

US State Secretary Colin Powell stated when addressing the students of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations that a special coordinator will represent the UN in all spheres of activity in Iraq, including the political development, humanitarian issues and restoration of the infrastructure.

He stressed that the USA is open for discussing with the UN Security Council members other possible functions of the coordinator. The question of Iraq's future remains open, we are ready to hold consultations, Powell said.

He also underlined that the situation in Iraq is a serious challenge facing the USA at the moment since the US troops were involved in the conflict, won the Iraqi army and overthrew Saddam Hussein's regime.

The USA should shoulder the responsibility over the current situation in Iraq. But Washington wants to hand over control in the country to the Iraqi people as soon as possible, Powell said. According to him, the US representatives will fulfil the key functions in the country but their tasks will be transferred to the Iraqi people as soon as possible.

He pointed out that the UN Security Council will bear the main responsibility for the restoration of stability and the economic situation in Iraq.