Brazil: Participate in UN-led Iraqi Reconstruction

Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim said on Monday Brazil is ready to participate in the reconstruction of Iraq, but only if it is led by the United Nations.

"Our participation will depend on the sort of reconstruction" to be undertaken, Amorim told the local press. "If it is a process headed by the UN, then there is no reason why we should not be involved," he affirmed.

If occupation forces head the process, Brazil would reconsider this matter, said the minister.

In regard to the trip of US Secretary of State Colin Powell to Europe last week, Amorim said it is a positive sign that there is more dialogue between the United States and the European leaders.

"Despite differences, the visit of secretary Powell is a sign that there is no arrogant attitude," he added.

Spain: Favors Active UN Role in Iraq's Reconstruction

Spanish Economy Minister Rodrigo Rato said on Monday that the United Nations and the World Bank (WB) should play an active role in postwar reconstruction of Iraq, where the United States launched military strikes on March 20.

The minister pointed out that the reconstruction of Iraq demands the collaboration of both organizations in assessment and planning from the political and social perspectives.

Governments have agreed that the United Nations manages the food-for-oil program for Iraq, he added.

The minister also said that he and Foreign Minister Ana Palacio keep constant contacts on the Iraq war with officials of the United States, Arab countries and the United Nations.

Mexico: Calls for UN Role in Reconstruction of Iraq

Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Ernesto Derbez said on Monday that the United Nations should play a key role in the reconstruction of postwar Iraq.

Derbez said there should not be "a return to the UN of the past", and called for a "more solid" Security Council.

Addressing the Association of European Journalists, the minister said he believes the United States "is being unfairly judged," and the government of Mexico, which took over the presidency of the UN Security Council from April, has decided to focus its work on promoting multilateral efforts in postwar reconstruction of Iraq.

Mexico does not support the war on Iraq, which was launched by its neighbor and major trading partner, the United States, on March 20.

Derbez emphasized that the United Nations must play a fundamental role in postwar reconstruction of Iraq and in establishing the "legitimacy" of Iraq's future government.

As the Security Council president, Mexico's priority is to address the issue of Iraq's reconstruction with the concept of humanitarian assistance, the minister said.

On UN reform, Derbez said that there is no consensus on a reform process for the long run, and that it is something that could not be attained within 30 days.

"We must sit down and discuss the way not to turn the UN into a Red Cross," he added.

(Edited by China.org.cn April 8, 2003)