United Nations, Aug 14: The United States has introduced a resolution in the Security Council welcoming the Iraqi governing council established by the American-led coalition and seeking to establish a United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) for an initial period of one year. But diplomats say it would not be enough to make counties like India, Russia and France to send peacekeeping troops to stabilize situation in Iraq and another resolution might be needed to widen international participation.
Britain co-sponsored the brief resolution to which the remaining three veto wielding permanent members - Russia, France and China - have extended their support.
The resolution, which was finalized by the five permanent members, was given to the remaining ten council members yesterday during closed-door consultations with Washington pressing for an early vote.
Syria expressed reservations and sought more time but the United States wanted vote after 24 hours, the time that is given to members to consult their capital after a resolution is introduced.
Diplomats expect Syria, the lone Arab member of the 15-member council, to either abstain or vote against the resolution.
The resolution welcomes the establishment of a "broadly representative government council" as an "important step towards the formation by the people of Iraq of an internationally recognized representative government that will exercise the sovereignty of Iraq."
Bureau Report