New UN resolution sets timetable for Iraq

A new US draft resolution is to be submitted to the United Nations giving Iraq’s US-appointed Governing Council until December 15 to develop a timetable for elections and a new constitution.

The draft resolution, backed by Britain and Spain, was given to other members of the UN Security Council over the weekend, and the United States will seek a vote on it this week, diplomats said.

The draft is the latest version of a resolution seeking international troops and money to help the US-led effort to rebuild Iraq.

Earlier drafts came under criticism from some European nations seeking a stronger role for the United Nations in Iraq and a speedier timetable for handing over power to Iraqis.

According to the draft, the Governing Council must submit to the Security Council “a timetable and a programme for the drafting of a new constitution for Iraq and for the holding of democratic elections under the constitution” by December 15.

Earlier drafts had not mentioned any timetable for elections or a new constitution, and the deadline was likely a key concession to other members of the 15-nation Security Council.

But it was unclear how far the new draft would go toward assuaging other council members’ concerns.

As previously, the draft calls for the creation of a multinational force to help maintain security in Iraq.

But unlike the previous draft, it says the Security Council will review the force’s mission no later than a year after the resolution passes.

The latest draft also addresses concerns from UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who had demanded a lead role for the organisation or little role at all.

It says the United Nations “should strengthen its vital role in Iraq,” saying it can do so by providing humanitarian relief, promoting economic reconstruction and helping to restore “institutions for representative governments.”

US Ambassador John Negroponte, who holds the council’s rotating presidency for October, said the United States would seek a vote on the resolution some time this week.

A council diplomat said the draft would be formally submitted either late tonight or Tuesday.

The new draft would “reflect discussions between the United States, the UK, Spain and others.”

The Bush administration launched a review of the resolution following disagreements from council diplomats and Annan’s statements.

The United States and Britain have said Iraq must first have a constitution and hold elections before they relinquish sovereignty.

France, Germany and Russia are seeking a quick transfer of power to a provisional Iraqi government and want the United Nations to have the major role in overseeing the country’s political transition to a democracy.