1. Malaysia maintains its position that the unilateral military action by the US and its allies was undertaken in contravention of international law as well as the Charter of the UN. Malaysia is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives, sufferings and destruction wrought by the military action. Our views on the future of Iraq in no way undermine this principled position.



2. Malaysia firmly believes that all measures related to the future of Iraq must be undertaken on the basis of respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and security of Iraq as well as for the well being of the Iraqi people.



3. Malaysia believes that the UN must play a leading role in the future of Iraq. As an organization with vast experience in the administration of post conflict situations, the UN is uniquely placed to undertake such responsibility. Furthermore, as the organization which embodies the will of the international community, the UN will provide legitimacy to these efforts. We therefore urge all nations to support the UN in this regard.



4. In this connection, Malaysia welcomes the appointment by the UN Secretary-General of Mr. Rafeeuddin Ahmed as his Special Adviser on post-conflict Iraq to draw up a framework for UN involvement, and trusts that he will discharge his responsibilities in a fair and transparent manner.



5. Efforts to establish the future political structure of Iraq must be accorded high priority. Transitional authority must rest in a body composed of Iraqis. The government to be formed must reflect the genuine will of the Iraqi people, free from external influence and coercion. This government should be established as soon as possible.



6. Iraqis must have full control over their natural wealth and revenues, to be used in a manner which would promote their well being.



7. Malaysia notes that UN Security Council Resolution 1472 empowers the UN Secretary-General to manage the Oil for Food Programme, including the distribution of humanitarian assistance for 45 days which is subject to renewal by the UN Security Council. On this, Malaysia underlines the importance of managing the Oil for Food Programme in a transparent and equitable manner. Furthermore, fullest cooperation should be given by all parties concerned to enable the UN to distribute humanitarian assistance.



8. Malaysia believes that in the interest of alleviating the sufferings of the Iraqi people after 12 years of debilitating sanctions regime, it is now timely for the UN Security Council to lift the sanctions.



9. Malaysia underlines the importance of resuming weapons inspections by independent and impartial UN weapons inspectors, particularly in the verification of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.







10 April 2003 Putrajaya