In a meeting with Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, de Mello outlined UN efforts in helping the governing council take shape, saying "if supported by the United Nations and Iraq's neighbors, this council could gain more authority."

"This council has been formed with the participation of various Iraqi groups at a national level and enjoys tangible authority for being the representative of the Iraqi people," he added.

Khatami, on his part, welcomed the governing council provided that it helps cede the power to the Iraqi people. He said Iraq's transitional governing power should ultimately turn over to a national democratic authority under the UN auspices.

"If it leads to the establishment of a popular government, the formation of the governing council in Iraq is a step toward guaranteeing people's demands," Khatami said, adding that this council must not justify the occupation to continue.

Khatami said he is displeased with rising insecurity in Iraq and hopes peace and stability would soon return to Iraq and the region with the establishment of a national government in that country.

"Foreign troops would do good to themselves as well as the Iraqis and the rest of the region if they pull out from Iraq," Khatami said.

He reiterated Iran's support for UN engagement in various international issues as well as Iran's readiness to help implement UN programs in the region successfully.

De Mello arrived in Tehran on Thursday as part of a regional tour. He has consulted with officials of Syria and Saudi Arabia on the situation in Iraq before his visit to Iran.

(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2003)