Iraq resolution improving, says Russia

Weekend consultations have improved the Anglo-American draft UN Security Council resolution on Iraq, but portions must be discussed further, a top Russian diplomat said today.

“Intensive diplomatic consultations, including those that took place Saturday and Sunday, have led to further positive changes in the Anglo-American draft resolution,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov .

“Nonetheless, some questions that require co-ordination (among the Security Council members) remain,” he added.

Security Council diplomats have been discussing a draft resolution that will endorse the hand over of sovereignty to an interim Iraqi government and authorise the multinational force to remain in Iraq to help provide security.

Russia, a veto-wielding Security Council member, strongly opposed the war in Iraq. It has said Iraqi sovereignty must be genuine.