6.5 |
Planning and preparation for a post-Saddam Hussein Iraq, January to
March 2003
– Our joint
irritation at some aspects of the UN should not blind us to
the
significant
advantages it can bring in Iraq after the conflict.
– Iraqis
more likely to accept a UN-mandated transitional administration
than a
Coalition
or US one. Same goes for Arab world …
– By
reducing hostility to the Coalition UN route reduces risk that our
actions
serve as a
recruiting sergeant for Islamist terrorist
organisations.
– Makes
sense for UN to be in charge of oil revenues to avoid
accusations
that aim of
military action was to get control of oil.
– UN
provides best forum for managing humanitarian agencies
…
– UN will
make it easier for other countries to support practically and
politically,
reforms we
want.
– By making
burden sharing easier, UN provides the best prospect of a
clean
exit
strategy.
– UN has
the stamina to stay in Iraq for a long time, which will be needed
for
our
ambitious reforms to stick.
– UN’s
record on transitional administrations is not perfect. But getting
better with
experience
…
–
Understand US concern to keep control of military and security
issues. Agree
UN should
not take this on – at least, not at first …
– … Can get
best of both worlds: UN legitimisation and freedom of action
with
a UNSC
[UN Security Council] mandate …
– UNSG [UN
Secretary-General] must appoint right Special Representative
…
– Restoring
oil production will be an immediate challenge. Oil sector will
need
some
technology and a lot of capital. We must encourage an open
investment
regime and
a level playing field for foreign companies.
– Our media
and Parliament have not yet focused on day-after questions. But
it
would be
very difficult to sustain a UK contribution to day-after if our
occupation
of Iraq
were opposed, in Iraq and in region. Don’t want a repeat of the
1920s.”
141.
The background
note stated that US hostility to the UN:
“… should
not be allowed to prejudice the Coalition against the crucial
advantages
it brings.
Putting the UN in the centre of reforming Iraq, after the Coalition
topples
Saddam is
as important as following the UN route to disarm Iraq.
335