WASHINGTON, April 27: Jordanian Foreign Minister Marwan Moasher said on Sunday that US officials must be careful to help foster an “inclusive” Iraqi government, warning that there can be no “force-feeding” of democracy in the country.

“There were voices and are still voices in the US calling for a force-feeding type of democracy in the region. That will, indeed, result in radicalization of the area and probably a theocracy coming in Iraq,” the foreign minister said in comments made Sunday on NBC television’s “Face the Nation” program.

“What we need to do is an evolutionary, orderly process where we ensure that all sectors of society in Iraq are represented in the Iraqi government.”

The main objective of US officials ought to be to ensure that “there is a credible Iraqi government,” he said.

“I think there is a strong need for the US to involve the international community in its efforts to rebuild Iraq. I think you need advice from especially those in the region who know the area well,” he said.

Moasher said Iraq must be led by an “inclusive government,” but warned the road to self-governance would be slow.

“You cannot expect democracy to happen overnight,” he said.

“It is very important to talk about an inclusive government, an inclusive society rather than to exclude anyone.”

Moasher also dismissed Ahmad Chalabi as a “divisive character,” who has been convicted of embezzlement charges in Jordan and faces prosecution elsewhere.

“Ahmad Chalabi is not just wanted in Jordan. He is involved in financial irregularities in Lebanon. He has caused the collapse of two banks in Lebanon.

He is involved in financial irregularities in Switzerland, where another institution, financial institution, collapsed,” he said.—AFP