White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters March 16 that the administration wants the United Nations to play a vital role in the future of Iraq.

"They have played a vital role in the past and they play a role in helping look at the elections and in providing their expertise on the constitutional process," McClellan said of the United Nations' role in Iraq.

The press secretary noted that Secretary of State Colin Powell recently had discussed the possibility of backing a new U.N. Security Council resolution on the transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqi people as the June 30 sovereignty deadline approaches.

McClellan also noted that "it may be appropriate to also update United Nations Security Council Resolution 1511".

Resolution 1511 recognizes the Iraq Governing Council as the interim government of Iraq and calls on the Coalition Provisional Authority to return sovereignty to the Iraqi people as soon as practicable.

"We continue to work together with the United Nations as we move forward in the transfer of sovereignty in Iraq," McClellan said.

INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS IN WAR ON TERROR CITED

McClellan called efforts by the international community to pursue the war on terrorism "the most important challenge that we face together."

"There are a number of ways to participate in the war on terrorism. We are taking the battle to the terrorists, and on the other hand we are working to advance freedom and democracy," McClellan said.

"There are many European nations working with the Coalition in Iraq," he said, noting "countries like Poland, who have had oppressive dictatorships, understand the importance of what we are trying to achieve in Iraq."

In addition to coalition efforts in Iraq, McClellan pointed to the need to work together to continue to advance the cause of freedom and democracy in the greater Middle East and support efforts that are already under way.

"Saudi Arabia recognizes the threat that terrorists pose on their own soil. We are working together with the Saudis in a strong partnership in the war on terrorism," the White House spokesman said.

"We are sending a clear and consistent message to the terrorists by the actions we are taking. Fifty million people have been liberated in Afghanistan and Iraq. They are realizing what democracy is all about. Democracy has taken root in both those countries, and we will not turn back," McClellan said.

TERRORIST ATTACKS MUST BE MET WITH RESOLVE, DETERMINATION

Asked by reporters if the White House believed the March 11 terrorist attack in Madrid significantly influenced the elections on March 14, the press secretary said, "The terrorists want to break our will and resolve and must not be allowed to think they influence elections and policy."

"That would be a terrible message to send. We must send a message of resolve, strength, and determination," McClellan said.

"President Bush said that the March 11 attack in Madrid was a grim reminder that we are at war with the terrorists," he noted. "Prime Minister-elect Zapatero reiterated his commitment to fight the war on terror. We look forward to working with them to fight the terrorists.

"There is no negotiating with terrorists because they want to destroy our way of life."

WHITE HOUSE CRITICAL OF ARISTIDE'S TRIP TO JAMAICA

The press secretary criticized former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's recent trip to Jamaica saying, "It certainly is not helpful to advancing democracy and stability in Haiti, where our focus is."

"We are continuing to work with our international partners to support the Haitian people as they move forward to strengthen their democratic institutions," McClellan said, and "we are making some progress on moving forward on both stability and the democratic process in Haiti, and that is what we will continue to do."