Previous page | Contents | Next page
10.1  |  Reconstruction: March 2003 to June 2004
reforms of governmental and administrative structures are not lawful. That includes
the imposition of major economic reforms.”108
United Nations Security Council resolution 1483 (2003), which was adopted on 22 May
2003, changed the legal framework for the Occupation of Iraq.109
Resolution 1483 confirmed that the administration of Iraq was the responsibility of “the
Authority” (the Occupying Powers).110 It also specified the role of the UN, exercised
through a Special Representative to the Secretary-General (SRSG).
In June, the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers advised that the resolution clarified the
legitimate scope of activity of the Occupying Powers and authorised them to undertake
actions for the reform and reconstruction of Iraq going beyond the limitations of Geneva
Convention IV and the Hague Regulations.111 In some cases, such actions had to
be carried out in co-ordination with the SRSG or in consultation with the Iraqi interim
administration.
Particular actions that the resolution appeared to mandate were:
promoting economic reconstruction and the conditions for sustainable development;
promoting human rights; and
encouraging international efforts to promote legal and judicial reform.
The content and implications of resolution 1483 are described later in this Section.
194.  Mr Tony Brenton, Chargé d’Affaires at the British Embassy Washington, warned
Sir David Manning on 3 April that the UK was “in danger of being left behind” on ORHA.112
The list of senior officials to “shadow” ministries in Iraq was almost complete and those
officials would start deploying soon. Australia had bid for a place. The UK had not, even
though the US had said it would be open to such a bid. Mr Brenton advised that:
“Following our significant military efforts we surely have an interest in following
through to the civilian phase. If so, given the advanced state of US preparations,
it will be important that we vigorously pursue the point at next week’s talks
[at Hillsborough].”
195.  Sir David Manning commented: “We need to decide if we want a place. Do we?”113
He asked Mr Rycroft to discuss the issue with the FCO.
108  Statement, 15 January 2010, pages 2 and 3.
109  UN, Press Release SC/7765, 22 May 2003. Security Council lifts sanctions on Iraq, approves UN role,
calls for appointment of Secretary-General’s Special Representative.
110  UN Security Council resolution 1483 (2003).
111 Letter Adams to Llewellyn, 9 June 2003, ‘Iraq: Effect of Security Council Resolution 1483 on the
Authority of the Occupying Powers’.
112  Letter Brenton to Manning, 3 April 2003, ‘Post Conflict Iraq’.
113  Manuscript comment Manning, 4 April 2003, on Letter Brenton to Manning, 3 April 2003, ‘Post Conflict
Iraq’.
37
Previous page | Contents | Next page