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Powell sees 'convergence' for U.N. resolution
UNITED NATIONS (CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said Thursday he is "seeing some convergence of views" on a new Iraqi resolution among the five permanent U.N. Security Council members. Powell said the members are working on language to "capture as much of that convergence as possible and to see what we are able to come to agreement on." The United States is seeking a resolution that would allow more nations to join the U.S.-led coalition already in Iraq. About 140,000 U.S. troops are in Iraq, along with more than 20,000 forces from other countries, principally Britain. The United States has sought a third division, envisioning troops from India, Pakistan, South Korea and Turkey. But if it cannot get one, Washington will have to decide next month whether to fill the need with American reservists. Powell said topics other than troops are being discussed. "We also had a good discussion on the role of the secretary-general and his representative in the political process in Iraq and how it should be captured in a resolution," Powell said after a lunch with foreign ministers from the five permanent members of the council -- the United States, France, Britain, Russia and China. On the question of transfer of sovereignty from the coalition to the Iraqis, Powell said, "We welcome Iraqis taking over security responsibilities" but, he added, "intention" is one thing and "capabilities" another. An insufficient security force "doesn't take you anywhere." Powell said a lot of work has been done to "accelerate" the creation of a national police and army. "We are anxious to see other nations join in the stabilization force," Powell said. Powell was asked about an earlier meeting with Iraq Governing Council members in New York and whether "there is a convergence of views" on a timetable for transferring sovereignty. "We didn't specifically talk about a timetable in terms of weeks, months, or how many months. I think we did converge on the understanding that you did need a democratic political process that rests on a constitution and elections that flow from that constitution. "And that's been a subject of some debate over the last week or so, but I think we all have a common understanding." He said a U.N. resolution would invite the Iraq Governing Council to come up with a plan and a timetable. "Ambassador (L. Paul) Bremer has suggested some timelines, and we'll wait and see what the resolution says and how the Governing Council responds to the invitation that will be in the resolution," Powell said. "I'm sure they're thinking about it, I'm sure they're working on it, but we didn't get into those details today, and it wouldn't have been appropriate." In addition to military aid, the United States is hoping that international financial institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund can contribute. The Security Council resolution would serve as a preliminary step toward seeking those funds.
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