Draft U.N. resolution urges Iraqi self-rule, sets no date
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The latest revision of the United States' U.N. Security Council resolution gives a greater role to the United Nations.
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The latest revision of a U.S. resolution gives a greater role to the U.N. in establishing a democratic Iraq and urges a move toward Iraqi self-rule. CNN's Richard Roth reports (October 2)
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UNITED NATIONS (CNN) -- The latest revision of the United States' U.N. Security Council resolution gives a greater role to the U.N. in establishing a democratic Iraq and urges other countries to contribute money and troops to help stabilize the country.
The resolution states that Iraqis should take control of their country "as quickly as practicable" but sets no timetable, according to a draft obtained by CNN.
The resolution states that the administration of Iraq would be "progressively" taken over as the interim Iraqi administration evolves.
It restates the U.S. intention that Iraqi self-rule should happen "quickly" and acknowledges the "importance of international support, particularly that of countries in the region, Iraq's neighbors, and regional organizations" in speeding up the process of allowing Iraqis to govern themselves.
The draft also calls for the authorization of a multinational force for Iraq but insists that the troops be under "unified," or U.S., control.
Despite pressure from U.N. Security Council members Russia, Germany, and France to speed the U.S. departure from Iraq, the draft includes no deadlines. The resolution does invite the U.S.-selected Iraqi Governing Council to set a timetable for creating a new constitution and holding democratic elections, and underscores the "temporary nature" of the U.S.-led coalition's control of Iraq.
In another change from an earlier U.S. draft, the new version states that the U.N. should "strengthen its vital role" in Iraq -- including providing humanitarian relief, economic reconstruction and helping to set up elections.
The draft resolution also says the United Nations should take up a list of proposed tasks outlined in a report from U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. In addition to helping with elections and a constitution, those tasks include police training, judicial and legal reform, helping to build political structures, delivering humanitarian aid, advancing human rights, and "helping the Iraqi interim administration establish links to other governments."
The only nations to receive the draft Wednesday were the permanent, veto-holding members of the Security Council: China, Russia, France and the United Kingdom. The council's other 10 members will receive copies Thursday.
No vote has been scheduled.
