The legitimacy of the United States-backed Iraqi Governing Council (IGC) cannot be recognized, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher said in Cairo Monday.

"It is not possible to recognize the legitimacy of the current governing council of Iraq," Maher told reporters after a meeting attended by foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria.

He said recognition of the council depended on many facts, including its legitimacy, powers, relationship with the US occupation authorities and the United Nations' role.

But Maher pointed out: "We are ready to deal with its members as we deal with the rest of the Iraqi political forces."

The meeting of Arab foreign ministers last week in Cairo gave no support to the Governing Council. Maher claimed that he was only reiterating a position drawn up at the meeting.

The 25-member council, which was founded on July 13 in Baghdad, has been seen as a step toward ending the US occupation of the oil-rich Gulf country.

The council will have the power to appoint ministers, approve the national budget and select members of a committee to draft a new constitution. But top United States civilian administrator in Iraq, Paul Bremer, has a final say.
 
(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2003)