New UN Iraq chief says bomb will extend occupation

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/5006230.htm

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Last week's attack on the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad has stalled the reconstruction of Iraq and will prolong U.S.-led occupation, the interim head of the U.N. mission in Iraq said on Wednesday.

Ramiro Lopes da Silva, appointed after the death of Sergio Vieira de Mello in the devastating truck bomb blast, said a lack of security would limit the work of the United Nations and deter others from joining efforts to rebuild postwar Iraq.

"(I hope) that the groups that perpetrate this kind of action understand that the goals they claim to pursue of a free independent, sovereign Iraq have been delayed by their action, not accelerated," Lopes da Silva told Reuters in an interview.

more

Gosh Mr. da Silva. I thought there was a free independent, sovereign Iraq, before the USA invaded and occupied the country? What am I missing here? Don

[Old and In the Way]

1. I guess Ramiroo doesn't want the same fate that befell Sergio.

His words couldn't possibly be lifted verbatim from a memo handed to him by Mr. Bremer, could it?