Fed: Gov't dodging questions on UN administration: Rudd

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Fed: Gov't dodging questions on UN administration: Rudd

Labor says the federal government is dodging the question of whether there will bea United Nations administration in control of post-war Iraq.

Foreign Minister ALEXANDER DOWNER says the US is relaxed about the idea of a UN specialcoordinator or administrator in Iraq.

Following a meeting with US President GEORGE W BUSH and Vice-President DICK CHENEYin Washington, he has said President BUSH accepts the need for a significant role forthe UN through a liaison position.

But Labor foreign spokesman KEVIN RUDD says Iraq should come under the control of aninterim UN administration, leading to self-government.

Mr RUDD says Mr DOWNER has failed to secure American agreement for the establishmentof a UN administration for post-war Iraq.

AAP RTV rft/sb/kn/wz

KEYWORD: IRAQ RUDD (CANBERRA)