United Nations, May 06: The UN Security Council has begun discussions on a new resolution on Iraq which would legitimise the caretaker government which is to take over from the US-led coalition by June 30, establish a multinational force and decide who handles the oil revenues. The US wants the resolution to be on the books by the time it hands over, what is now being described as, limited power to the caretaker government. The 15 members of the Council are scheduled to meet shortly at a meeting to be hosted by Britain to informally consider the elements of the resolution. Diplomats said the United States and its closest ally Britain are still drafting the resolution and hence no paper would be circulated at the meeting.
But the American and British diplomats are expected to brief on their thinking and get a feedback from the 13 other members. The draft is unlikely to be ready before UN envoy in Iraq, Lakhdar Brahimi is able to complete the process of negotiation on formation of the caretaker government. One of the major issues would be how much power the caretaker government should enjoy till an elected government is formed and how much control it would have over the country`s resources.
Bureau Report