*EPF106 12/15/2003
Text: Saddam Capture New Opportunity for Peace, Annan Says
(Statement by U.N. Secretary General Dec. 14) (130)

U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said December 14 that the capture of Saddam Hussein "offers an opportunity to give fresh impetus to the search for peace and stability in Iraq."

Following is the statement issued by his spokesman:

(begin text)

The Secretary-General considers that the capture of Saddam Hussein, the epitome of the former regime, is an important event. It offers an opportunity to give fresh impetus to the search for peace and stability in Iraq, on the basis of an inclusive and fully transparent process.

The Secretary-General reiterates the readiness of the United Nations to do everything possible to help Iraqis, if asked and as circumstances permit.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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