UN vote on Iraq mission delayed

The US and Britain delayed a vote on a resolution that would expand the United Nations mandate in Iraq so Iraq’s prime minister could revise a new draft that boosted the focus on humanitarian issues.

US ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said he was informed yesterday that the Iraqis were now satisfied with the resolution.

The newly-revised text was circulated to the UN Security Council and Khalilzad said he expected the council to vote today – the day the current mandate expires.

Britain’s UN ambassador Sir Emyr Jones Parry predicted on Wednesday that the council would 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.

It would also authorise the UN to assist the government in resolving disputes over internal boundaries, conducting a national census, delivering humanitarian aid, and helping refugees return home when appropriate.

“This is an effort to internationalise the effort to assist Iraqis overcome their internal difference,” Khalilzad said, “and to assist the neighbours by bringing them together to help Iraq rather than add to Iraq’s problems, and to deal with the humanitarian concerns that have increased because of the situation in Iraq with the refugees and protection of civilians.”

The small UN mission has helped organise elections, draft Iraq’s constitution and develop institutions for representative government.

The initial text was revised to put more focus on human rights, humanitarian issues, protecting civilians, and promoting the safety of humanitarian personnel.

London-based Amnesty International’s secretary general Irene Khan had complained that the original text was “silent on the gross human rights abuses taking place on a daily basis in Iraq, and on the deepening humanitarian crisis in the country”, a view echoed by other rights groups.

In the latest draft, the Iraqi government inserted language underscoring its sovereignty and added a call for “adequate resources” to address humanitarian issues.

The Iraqis also eliminated two references to “parties to armed conflict”, saying instead that “all parties” should take steps to protect civilians and create conditions for Iraqis who have fled to return home.

The US and Britain, which have the largest forces in Iraq and co-sponsored the resolution, said earlier this week they had expected a vote yesterday.

“The reason for the delay was logistical issues having to do with the prime minister of Iraq’s visit to Turkey and then to Iran,” Khalilzad said yesterday. “We wanted to make sure the final draft has the approval and the comfort of the Iraqi government.”