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Differences emerge on new UN resolution on Iraq
United Nations, May 07: Diplomats said differences have emerged in informal consultations among Security Council members on a new resolution on Iraq, including control of defence forces, oil revenues and role of the UN after the US-led coalition hands over power to a caretaker government.
United Nations, May 07: Diplomats said differences have emerged in informal consultations among Security Council members on a
new resolution on Iraq, including control of defence forces, oil revenues and role of the UN after the US-led coalition hands over power to a caretaker government.
In the first session of informal consultations yesterday, hosted by British UN ambassador Emyr Jones, diplomats agreed that the US-led forces would have to remain in the country. However, questions were raised as to why Iraqi defence forces could not be straightaway put under the control of Iraqis. Another issue, diplomats said, was whether the new government or the coalition should control prisons. The United States wants coalition to retain control of prisons so that it could continue interrogating the prisoners. No paper or text was circulated and diplomats said US and Britain will await the outcome of UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi’s visit to Iraq before presenting a text. Brahimi is trying to find consensus for a caretaker government that is to assume power on June 30. The diplomats agreed that the final resolution would emerge on the lines being advocated by the US and Britain though Russia has proposed a shorter draft and then a detailed resolution after ascertaining the views of the caretaker government. But not many members were enthusiastic about Moscow`s proposal. Also, the relationship of the multinational force, which the resolution is expected to establish with the coalition authority and the caretaker government, needed to be sorted out, they said.
Bureau Report
In the first session of informal consultations yesterday, hosted by British UN ambassador Emyr Jones, diplomats agreed that the US-led forces would have to remain in the country. However, questions were raised as to why Iraqi defence forces could not be straightaway put under the control of Iraqis. Another issue, diplomats said, was whether the new government or the coalition should control prisons. The United States wants coalition to retain control of prisons so that it could continue interrogating the prisoners. No paper or text was circulated and diplomats said US and Britain will await the outcome of UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi’s visit to Iraq before presenting a text. Brahimi is trying to find consensus for a caretaker government that is to assume power on June 30. The diplomats agreed that the final resolution would emerge on the lines being advocated by the US and Britain though Russia has proposed a shorter draft and then a detailed resolution after ascertaining the views of the caretaker government. But not many members were enthusiastic about Moscow`s proposal. Also, the relationship of the multinational force, which the resolution is expected to establish with the coalition authority and the caretaker government, needed to be sorted out, they said.
Bureau Report