Pakistan on Thursday welcomed appointment of interim Iraqi administration and hoped it would exercise full sovereignty to protect country's unity and territorial integrity.
"Pakistan hopes that Iraq, under the Interim Administration, will exercise full sovereignty which will lend it credibility, protect Iraq's unity and territorial integrity, and help restore security and stability in the country," a statement by the foreign office said.
The Interim Iraqi Administration is designated to run the country's affairs until the elections scheduled for January 2005, as a step towards restoration of a fully representational government in the country.
"Pakistan also hopes that the United Nations will play a central role in assisting the Iraqi people to exercise full sovereignty; and to bring about earliest possible restoration of security, stability and reconstruction of their country," the statement said.