Asked about the U.N.'s. role at a press conference held during the meeting, Bush said: "A vital role for the U.N. means a vital role for the U.N." Blair added: "Absolutely." Bush thanked U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan for naming a special adviser - Pakistani development expert Rafeeudin Ahmed - to coordinate the U.N. role.
"We've said all along there will be a role for the U.N." he said.
Pressed on the nature of that role, Bush said it would include a say in the composition of the interim authority.
"They will be involved, along with the coalition, in helping to stand up an interim authority, but the Iraqi people are responsible for who is on that authority," Bush said.
"I hear a lot of talk about how we are going to impose a leader. Forget it," Bush said.
During the summit, which began with informal talks Monday evening, Blair was expected to press Bush to ensure a political as well as humanitarian role for the U.N., but little detail of this was revealed at the press conference.
Both leaders stressed moving as quickly as possible to an interim Iraqi administration ahead of a representative government in which Iraqis would decide the future of the country.
Bush said the coalition would move "as quickly as possible to place Iraq under the control of Iraqis".
Blair said: "Our forces will not stay in Iraq a day longer than is necessary... We will stabilize ... Then will help Iraq to move as soon as possible to an interim authority run by Iraqis." He added: "This new Iraq is not to be run either by us or by the U.N. -that is a false choice - but by the Iraqi people." Blair said there would be "a vital role for the U.N. in the reconstruction of Iraq, but the key is that Iraq will be run by the Iraqi people".
In a joint printed statement, the two leaders stressed the humanitarian role of the U.N. in rebuilding Iraq.
"As the coalition proceeds with the reconstruction of Iraq, it will work with its allies, bilateral donors, and with the United Nations and other international institutions. The United Nations has a vital role to play in the reconstruction of Iraq," it said.
They pledged to seek a Security Council resolution affirming Iraq's territorial integrity, ensuring rapid delivery of humanitarian relief and endorsing an appropriate post-conflict administration for Iraq.
Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Bush said: "Our governments are working to bring about a settlement in the Middle East that protects the rights of Israelis and Palestinians." Blair said the publication of the Middle East road map depended on the "foundation of Abu Mazen's cabinet", which is expected soon - Sapa-DPA
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