Iraqi government rejects use of non-US peacekeepers

THE US-chosen government of Iraq said yesterday that it does not want peacekeepers from other countries to replace US-led forces, ending days of disputes over proposals by Turkey to commit peacekeeping troops.

Instead, members of the Iraqi Governing Council told a news conference at the Organisation of the Islamic Conference summit in Malaysia that they were seeking a formula under which Iraq could take charge of its own security as soon as possible.

The United States is seeking troops from other countries to relieve its 130,000 forces in Iraq.

The statement by members of the Iraqi Governing Council, including rotating President Iyad Allawi, appeared aimed at ending debate over the issue of sending peacekeepers from neighbouring Turkey to Iraq, which the council fears could end up interfering in Iraq’s internal affairs.

Turkey had been alone at the Islamic summit in vowing to send troops while Iraq remained under US control. Other Muslim countries had said they might be willing, but only with a UN Security Council mandate.

The Iraqis also threw the summit into uncertainty by saying they might seek the postponement of a draft resolution that welcomes the establishment of the Governing Council “as a forward step to the restoration of the government of Iraq” and calls for a “UN resolution to set a schedule for the return of power to the Iraqi people.”

The language could conflict with a resolution being circulated by the United States at the UN Security Council calling for the Governing Council to announce a timetable by December 15 for drafting new Iraqi constitution and holding elections.

Meanwhile, Iraqis began drawing their new currency from banks across the country yesterday, exchanging their Saddams, old banknotes bearing the fugitive dictator’s portrait, for a series with historical themes similar to dinar bills of two decades ago.

Behind a shield of American armour and guns, the flow of customers at Baghdad banks appeared nearly normal, reflecting the fact people have three months to turn in old money.

Also yesterday, Japan answered Washington’s call for help in Iraq, pledging $1.5 billion in reconstruction aid next year and more down the line.

The move comes on the eve of a visit to Tokyo by President George W Bush, who is expected to lean on the world’s second-biggest economy to pull its weight in rebuilding the war-torn country. Japan was among the first to support the war in Iraq, but has been waffling on sending money or troops.