UN: Saddam's capture an 'important event'

India Gazette Sunday 14th December, 2003

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Sunday the capture of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein offers a fresh start for peace and stability in the nation.

The Secretary-General considers that the capture of Saddam Hussein, the epitome of the former regime, is an important event, said a U.N. statement.

"It offers an opportunity to give fresh impetus to the search for peace and stability in Iraq, on the basis of an inclusive and fully transparent process.

The Secretary-General reiterates the readiness of the United Nations to do everything possible to help Iraqis, if asked and as circumstances permit.

Since the Aug. 19 bombing on U.N. headquarters in Baghdad, killing 22 people, the world organization evacuated its international staff to Cyprus to oversee Iraqi nationals carrying out U.N. work in the embattled nation.

Only last week, Annan announced the appointment of a veteran relief administrator, Ross Mountain of New Zealand, to oversee the Nicosia-based operation.