United Nations credibility at stake over Iraq: RI foreign minister

United Nations credibility at stake over Iraq: RI foreign minister

Dean Yates and Jerry Norton, Reuters, Jakarta

The Indonesian government said on Monday the credibility of the United Nations was on the line over Iraq, adding the world body would regain some prestige if it played a central role in running and rebuilding the nation after the war.

Hassan Wirayuda, foreign minister of the world's most populous Muslim nation, said the UN Security Council should at least seriously address the issue of the U.S.-led invasion, even though any resolution condemning the attack would have little chance of getting past American or British opposition.

Speaking a day after more than 100,000 Indonesians jammed the streets of Jakarta to protest against the war, Hassan reassured foreigners they should not worry too much about violent rallies as demonstrations had been peaceful so far, and authorities would try to rein in emotions if the war dragged on.

On the UN issue, Hassan said in an interview: "It is in Indonesia's interest to see that for the sake of the credibility of the United Nations they be seen by the international public to be working, that they are discharging their responsibility."

He said the fact that it took a week for the UN Security Council to meet once the war had begun was "unacceptable".

But Hassan said the United Nations could win back some credibility by getting heavily involved in post-war Iraq should the United States and its allies win.

"It hasn't reached that stage yet. (But) I would say the UN should be given a central role, not only to deal with the humanitarian aspects but also in terms of the interim government and also reconstruction."

Speaking last week, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said Washington would not cede control of Iraq to the United Nations if and when it overthrows Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Hassan also branded President George W Bush's preemptive doctrine in Iraq a bad precedent that would damage world order.

Despite Jakarta's trenchant criticism of the war, Hassan said he believed Indonesia's ties with the United States, a major trading partner, would not be hurt. Indonesia is also a key ally in the U.S.-led war on terrorism, although some analysts have said cooperation could come under threat in a prolonged war.

Addressing fears by some Western governments that demonstrations could get out of control, Hassan said antiwar protests had been orderly and peaceful partly because the government and moderate Muslim leaders had a common stance.

"The more casualties, the more Iraqis killed could invite stronger reactions but we hope we can manage the domestic response," Hassan said, adding he regretted upgraded travel warnings issued by foreign capitals such as Washington.