World News

Bush challenges U.N. to back Iraq plan

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Unbending in spite of widespread opposition, U.S. President George W. Bush returned to the United Nations on Sept. 23 to try to marshal support for a deliberate transition to democracy in Iraq. "Let us move forward," he told those leaders who would have the U.S. occupation ended right away.

A year ago, Bush stood before the U.N. General Assembly and tried to build a case against Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Ultimately, he drew only some support from the Security Council and went to war without direct authority.

There were nations that supported the United States, Bush said in his speech Sept. 23, but "some of the sovereign nations of this assembly disagree with our actions."

To try to accommodate them, Bush offered the United Nations a larger role in Iraq's reconstruction. But he did not budge from his plan for step-by-step transformation of Iraq to democracy

"This process must unfold according to the needs of Iraqis - neither hurried nor delayed by the wishes of other parties," he said

Couching U.S. policy in Iraq and Afghanistan in terms of countering terrorism, Bush said the world should stand with the people of both countries as they seek freedom and stability.

Bush spoke as negotiations continued behind the scenes on a new U.N. resolution setting terms for the transfer of power. So far, U.S. efforts have been stymied by France, Germany and other critics of the U.S. approach

The president's address was received politely by the General Assembly audience.

Shukan ST: Oct. 3, 2003

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