London, 13 May 2003 (RFE/RL) -- British Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon says the United States and Britain will need UN authority to set up a new government for Iraq. He made the comment late yesterday in an interview with the BBC.
Asked if the United States and Britain would lack such authority if a UN resolution was not passed, Hoon said it is "highly likely" the draft resolution presented to the UN "will be amended."
The UN Security Council is to consider a draft resolution this week that would provide for a U.S.-British occupation of Iraq for at least a year and give the coalition control of the country's oil wealth to use for rebuilding. It would also lift economic sanctions on Iraq and end the oil-for-food humanitarian program.
Asked if the United States and Britain would lack such authority if a UN resolution was not passed, Hoon said it is "highly likely" the draft resolution presented to the UN "will be amended."
The UN Security Council is to consider a draft resolution this week that would provide for a U.S.-British occupation of Iraq for at least a year and give the coalition control of the country's oil wealth to use for rebuilding. It would also lift economic sanctions on Iraq and end the oil-for-food humanitarian program.