YORK area MPs have welcomed the United Nations resolution on Iraq that could pave the way for the long-term reconstruction of the war-torn country.

The resolution, backed overwhelmingly by the UN's decision-making body, the Security Council, approves US and UK control of Iraq until a new government is formed.

It also lifts the UN economic sanctions, in place since the first Gulf War.

York's Labour MP Hugh Bayley, who voted in favour of the conflict with Iraq, said the resolution showed the international community was building a future for that country.

He said: "Those (countries) who engaged in the conflict and those who opposed it are involved and working to repair 20 years of Saddam's rule."

The MP called on France and Germany to contribute to the UN's humanitarian appeal for Iraq's reconstruction.

Asked if he agreed that the US and UK should pay for Iraqi war damage, because they started the conflict, he said: "The war is over now. After 20 years of dictatorship Iraq is one of the poorest countries in the world. Now that the UN has given the lead role in the reconstruction of Iraq I hope that all countries will give them the resources to do this."

John Grogan, the Labour MP for Selby, voted against war without UN backing.

He welcomed new UN action on Iraq, but called for a timetable on the withdrawal of British and American troops.

He said: "There should be a clear and specific timetable for withdrawal and the handing over to an Iraqi administration. There is a danger of overstaying our welcome. Staying too long could lead to resentment and further problems."

Vale of York Tory MP Anne McIntosh said: "It is a very welcome resolution. I hope now we can begin with the reconstruction of that country.

"It will be a long-term project, and I commend British troops for being able to maintain a semblance of order in the towns they are patrolling under very difficult conditions."

Greg Knight, Tory MP for East Yorkshire, welcomed the end of the sanctions, while claiming the new UN resolution legitimised the war.

He called for the search for weapons of mass destruction, the reason given for the war, to be widened.

"I hope law and order is brought to Iraq as soon as possible," he added.

Ryedale's Tory MP John Greenway said: "This seems sensible to me. In many respects the sooner we can have UN control of the situation the better, but unfortunately the UN has proved itself incapable of reaching agreement on what to do with Iraq.

"I think the crucial thing is that some semblance of normality is restored to Iraq as quickly as possible, there is a need to bring about economic prosperity."

Updated: 08:39 Monday, May 26, 2003