IRAQ: The UN's special envoy to Iraq, Mr Sergio Viera de Mello, has arrived in Baghdad to begin work with the American administration in the reconstruction process, the first senior UN official to do since weapons inspectors left the country shortly before the war. Jack Fairweather reports from Baghdad
Marking another step in the healing of the rift between the US and the UN over the war, Mr de Mello met with Iraq's de facto governor Mr Paul Bremmer to discuss the future running of Iraq. "We had a very good first meeting on the wide range of issues in which we can work together to create a democratic independent and peaceful Iraq. We have a very good sense of mutual mission," Mr Bremmer said. Mr de Mello said: "We share the same goal, which is to empower the free people of Iraq as soon as possible."
The UN's role in the reconstruction process, however, remains limited, with Washington keen to leave the day-to-day management of the country in the hands of American officials.
Under the UN resolution which also saw the lifting of 12- year sanctions, Mr de Mello's role will be largely consultative.
A spokesman for the Coalition Provisional Authority said: "We are keen to involve the UN in Iraq's future, but the focus must be on handing power over to the Iraqi people as soon as possible."
Animosity to US reluctance to do this immediately was seen in Baghdad yesterday, when Muslim clerics led thousands through the capital's streets to tell US and British forces to withdraw or face violence.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi National Congress, an umbrella group of parties which opposed Saddam Hussein mainly from abroad, has insisted Iraqis rather than Americans should pick the interim Iraqi leadership which will help steer the country towards democracy.
The Coalition Provisional Authority in charge of Iraq had been expected to convene a national conference in July to select an interim Iraqi leadership. However, US officials said at the weekend they would instead name a political council of 25 to 30 Iraqis after consulting a broad range of Iraqi opinion.
"This government will not be effective or useful for the Iraqi people," Mr Entifadh Qanbar, a senior Iraqi National Congress official, told a news conference.
A US soldier has died in Iraq after being wounded in an attack on a checkpoint in a town north of Baghdad, US Central Command said yesterday. The soldier died on Monday evening after the attack with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades near the town of Balad, it said.