"This idea of establishing an Iraqi government is a process," he told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York. "We are at an early phase, and as we move down the line I hope there will be an understanding which would allow the UN to play an effective role in the process."

Annan said he hoped there would be progress "in the not-too-distant future" to clarify the UN role and that he would be meeting with the Security Council this week on the issue.

Asked why he had not sent an observer to Monday's meeting in Baghdad of various political factions called by the United States, the UN chief said it was because discussions were still going on in the council.

"Of course, the Security Council is discussing the UN role in Iraq," he replied. "I will be meeting with them this week and I hope we will be able to make progress in the not-too-distant future. Obviously, apart from the UN role on the ground, the council is also discussing the issues of sanctions, oil-for-food and other related issues."

"We are hoping to have a clearer idea of the UN role, and also hoping to get additional information as to the process and the organization of the meeting (in Baghdad), but of course this does not mean that in the future, once we have finished our discussions, we will not find a way of cooperating with others."

Weeks after the war in Iraq was over, the 15-nation Security Council remained deadlocked over what the UN role would be in rebuilding the country. The United States has made clear that it would play a pivotal role in post-war Iraq, while France, Russia and many other council members stand for a leading role for the UN.

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2003)