Walter Schwimmer, who is paying a visit to Moldova, was quoted as saying that he regretted that the war against Iraq was unauthorized by the United Nations, but of course nobody would feel sorry at present for the fall of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

"But now we must make sure the Iraqi people determine their own future and fate," Schwimmer said, adding that the Council of Europe will discuss with the United Nations if the Strasbourg-based organization should deliver assistance to a post-Saddam Iraq.

Schwimmer also noted that the council could help the Iraqi people draw up a new constitution through its institutions.

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2003)