Iraqi Foreign Minister says UN should play key role in reconstruction

With Iraq facing a crucial crossroads in its history, the country's Foreign Minister today appealed to the Security Council to expand United Nations activities there.

Hoshyar Zebari hailed the recent capture of Saddam Hussein but stressed that it must mark "the beginning of a new era" for the traumatized country. "Iraq must not live any longer in the past but look forward to the future, and the United Nations is the key forum for collective international action to help us achieve our goals of reconstructing and democratizing our country," he said in a statement to an open meeting of the 15-member body.

The Foreign Minister called for expanding the UN's role in humanitarian relief, nation building, development and the electoral and political process.

Mr. Zebari also appealed to the Council to focus on the needs of the Iraqi people. "We call upon the members of the United Nations to look beyond their differences over the decision to go to war on Iraq and come together to forge an international consensus," he said. "Squabbling over political differences takes a backseat to the daily struggle [of the Iraqi people] for security, jobs, basic freedoms and all the rights that the UN is chartered to uphold."

As it stabilizes, Iraq needs the help of the international community, led by the UN, he said. "So we ask you today - put aside your differences, pull together and work with us and all those who have contributed and sacrificed so much to realize our shared objective of a sovereign, united, free and democratic Iraq."

Video of Security Council meeting