DATE=9/8/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=POWELL / IRAQ / U-N (S-O)

NUMBER=2-307283

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell will meet his counterparts from the other four permanent U-N Security Council member states in Geneva this coming Saturday to discuss Iraq. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called the meeting in a bid to overcome differences on the U-S-proposed Security Council resolution to expand the United Nations role in Iraqi peacekeeping. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

TEXT: The veto-wielding Security Council members are divided over the U-S initiative, with France understood to be insisting that the United Nations assume the lead role in Iraqi reconstruction and building a new government. But in a talk with reporters here after meeting with Spain's Foreign Minister Ana Palacio, Mr. Powell said while the U-N has an important role to play, it would be unable to replace the U-S-led coalition:

/// POWELL ACT ///

The U-N should play a role. But should it play the only role, to the exclusion of what the Coalition Provisional Authority has been doing and needs to continue doing in the future? No, that I couldn't agree to because I don't think it's in a position to do so.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Powell agreed to attend the Geneva meeting after a late-afternoon telephone talk with Mr. Annan. The meeting of the so-called "Permanent Five" is also expected to discuss Middle East peace prospects in the wake of the resignation of Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and recent violence. (SIGNED)

NEB/DAG/KL