France is willing to play a "constructive" role on the Washington-drafted United Nations (UN) resolution on Iraq but remains firm on a rapid transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqi people, French President Jacques Chirac said in an interview published Wednesday.

"France and the United States pursue the same objective: the peace and stability in Iraq with sovereignty and democracy, which is engaged on the way of progress," Chirac told the Moroccan news agency.

"France wishes to play a constructive role in the ongoing discussions on the American draft resolution on Iraq," he said.

France, which strongly opposed the US-led war in Iraq, has voiced differences over the American draft that urges troops and cash from allies to reinforce the US-British coalition and promote stability and reconstruction in Iraq.

In order to make all actions successful in Iraq, "we must at first take into consideration the fact that the Iraqis want and should be master of their fate," said Chirac. "In our opinion, this could be done through a very rapid transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqis themselves."

"The effective responsibilities could be transferred progressively and take the time that is necessary," he said, adding that the UN must be given a "motor role" in this process.

At the end of September, Chirac for the first time laid out a two-stage plan for Iraqi self-rule. The plan would consist of a symbolic transfer of sovereignty from Americans to the Iraqi Governing Council (IGC), then followed by a gradual process of transferring real power over a period of about six to nine months.

However, the United States opposed any deadlines for the end of US-led occupation in Iraq, saying the IGC should set a timetable for the transfer.

France would vote in favor of the resolution only if it includes a precise deadline for the transfer of sovereignty, a timetable for the transfer of actual power and a "key role" for the UN. Otherwise, France will abstain, said Chirac in September.
 
(Xinhua News Agency October 9, 2003)