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.