US seeks help in running Iraq

US SECRETARY of State Colin Powell sought support from Britain, France, Germany and Russia yesterday for a proposed UN resolution that would give the world body a larger role in Iraq’s economic and political future.

The post-war operation is costing the US about $4 billion a month and has strained the US military, which has 140,000 troops stationed in Iraq.

A US congressional agency said the US military presence may have to be reduced by more than 50% to keep enough forces to face other threats.