Iraqi Shiite leader calls for immediate end to war and UN to rule Iraq

TEHRAN (AFP) Apr 05, 2003
Iraq's main Shiite opposition leader has proposed an immediate end to war and the establishment of UN rule in Iraq after the overthrow of President Saddam Hussein, he said in a letter to UN and Arab leaders.

Ayatollah Mohammad Baqir Hakim, who heads the Supreme Assembly of Islamic Revolution in Iraq, put forward a five-point plan to bring an end to the war.

The proposals included in the letter, addressed to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Conference, were:

- "an immediate end to hostilities",

- "the departure of Saddam Hussein",

- "the UN entry in Iraq to take over Iraq administration",

- "the departure of coalition forces based on a fixed schedule by the UN" and

- "arranging for free general elections under UN auspices to form a government that represents all Iraqi people".

In his letter, Hakim said: "The implementation of the plan will serve the interest of Iraqis, people of the region and the world".

SPACE.WIRE