UNITED NATIONS, July 22 (Xinhua) -- United Nations top official for Iraq Sergio de Mello on Tuesday called on the international community to extend recognition to the Iraqi Governing Council to facilitate the process of restoring Iraqi sovereignty.

　　"For it (the Governing Body ) to succeed, the Governing Council will need the full support of the international community and the faith of the Iraqi people," de Mello said while briefing the UN Security Council on the situation in post-war Iraq.

　　The UN special representative said he believed the Governing Council "has initially been endowed with credible executive authority and that it is broadly representative of the various constituencies existing in Iraq".

　　The formation of Iraq's Governing Council on July 13 was a "significant step" toward the goal of restoration of Iraqis' self rule, de Mello noted, adding that its establishment was a "welcome" development for the international community and for the United Nations.

　　Under its agreement with the occupying authority, the Governing Council has significant powers, with particular, though not exclusive, emphasis on foreign affairs, finance, security and the constitutional process, he continued. End