Mark Schneider and the ICG would like to see the immediate appointment, overseen by the UN, of a consultative assembly of Iraqis, which would essentially form a transitional government



Mark Schneider and the ICG would like to see the immediate appointment, overseen by the UN, of a consultative assembly of Iraqis, which would essentially form a transitional government

Trouble in Iraq - Mark Schneider and Major General Peter Abigail

Presenter: Geraldine Doogue

Sunday, 16 May 2004

After a week of shocking revelations about its treatment of prisoners, the US government continues to try to regain some credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of Iraqis and the rest of the world. One group which has been watching Iraq for some time, and which has issued a detailed blueprint for the immediate future, is the influential International Crisis Group, headed by our ex foreign minister, Gareth Evans. The ICG would like to see the immediate appointment, overseen by the UN, of a consultative assembly of Iraqis, which would essentially form a transitional government. The senior vice president, is Mark Schneider, a former head of the Peace Corps.

And Major General Peter Abigail is the former Land Commander of the Australian Army. The Australian military has 15 years of peace keeping experience, in Cambodia, Somalia, Bougainville, the Solomons and East Timor. He explains how an occupying army can maintain the peace without alienating the local population.