A number of pressing issues confronted Ghazi al-Yawar, interim president of Iraq, on his assumption of power. These are his views:
On sovereignty: 'We're reinstating our country. Our country was the first to get its independence in the Middle East. Unfortunately because of the mishandling by a dictator, this country was taken back hundreds of years.'
On peace-keeping troops from other countries: 'They must not be from neighbouring countries. They must be countries that respect human rights. Also, we do not want a carnival of forces. To have 50 or 100 rangers from a country will [merely] be ceremonial.'
On Saddam Hussein's trial: 'The people of Iraq have to have a fair chance to present charges. If he receives the death penalty, so be it. If it's life in prison, so be it. We respect the law. We respect human life.'
On economics: 'We have to encourage small businesses by lending them money, so that a small mini-market can grow into a supermarket. This will decrease unemployment 10-fold.'
On militant Shi'ite Moqtada al-Sadr: 'He has a very large number of constituents or supporters, and we cannot alienate any sector of the Iraqi people. There are charges against him and he should clear himself of that. If he does, I would be the first one to shake his hand and say, 'welcome'.'