IRAQ: US official unveils plan for three administration zones

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Att.Editors: The following item is from the Qatar News Agency (QNA)

BAGHDAD, May 3 2003 (IPS) - A US official has unveiled a US plan to set up an international military force in three or more regions of Iraq.

Speaking on condition of anonymity the official said today the plan was prepared to take control of one of three zones, alongside Britain and the United States.

"We understand that this is our responsibility for stability and reconstruction of Iraq, not only guaranteeing the security and order but also for political reasons…. We have a lot of know-how how to establish democratic and legal systems because of our fresh experiences," the official added.

The United States is to split Iraq into military sectors, with at least Poland, Britain, and the United States controlling the zones.

Six European countries, Italy, Spain, Ukraine, Denmark, the Netherlands and Bulgaria, have agreed to provide troops for the international stabilization force, reports said.

The international stabilization force would be under the US war commander Gen. Tommy Franks.

The zones will be policed by a multinational force to keep the peace.

The US official referred to Poland’s readiness to send troops depended on the financial and legal process of the other countries involved.

European Union foreign ministers met for a two-day conference to discuss Iraq and defense.

The meeting was supposed to have set the scene for a more unified and stronger Europe following the rift over Iraq, but the outcome was questioned as six current and future countries discussed taking part in the stabilization force, possibly without a UN mandate.

European Union presidency Greece said member states wanted a mandate from the United Nations for the implementation of an interim administration in Iraq.