LONDON -- U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Sunday that since the coalition forces liberated Iraq, they should determine what should be done first. Talking to BBC he said, "It is not a role for France, Germany and Russia. We will be the liberating authority. We will have occupational responsibilities."

Powell said France, Germany and Russia had given Saddam "some comfort" by refusing to support a United Nations Security Council resolution that would have authorized the U.S.-led war to oust the Iraqi leader.

But he said the task now was for the United Nations to reestablish its authority, and develop into "a strengthened institution".

"The United States is not mad with the United Nations," he added.

But he rejected a call by French President Jacques Chirac for the United Nations to be put solely in charge of Iraq's reconstruction.

"It was this coalition of nations that was willing to put its treasure at risk, take the political risk, and put its sons and daughters at risk," he said of the countries that backed the war.

"We are committed to making sure that the Iraqi people have a democratic form of government and we believe we have a leading role to play in bringing this about," he said.

Powell said the warring coalition would encourage the formation of an interim authority which would have legitimacy "given to it first and foremost by the Iraqi people".

On weapons of mass destruction, Powell reiterated Washington's view that there was no immediate need to involve the United Nations or others in the search for and chemical, biological or nuclear programs in Iraq.

"We don't feel a need right now to consult with respect to the weapons of mass destruction because the (military) campaign is still under way," he said. "Then we will turn our attention to looking for these weapons of mass destruction and we will see what assistance can be provided in this effort."