Vote to expand UN mandate in Iraq delayed

The United States and Britain today delayed a vote on a resolution that would expand the UN mandate in Iraq so that Iraq’s prime minister could revise a new draft which increased the focus on humanitarian issues.

US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said he was informed this morning that the Iraqis are now satisfied with the resolution.

The newly revised text was circulated to the Security Council and Khalilzad said he expects the council to vote tomorrow – the day the current mandate expires.

Britain’s UN Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry predicted yesterday that the council will unanimously approve the resolution expanding the UN mandate so the world body can help Iraq’s beleaguered government promote national reconciliation and better relations with its neighbours.