08 June 2004 00:00
UN Security Council racing to pass Iraq sovereignty resolution
ByLine: By JAMES BLITZ and MARK TURNER
The UN Security Council was yesterday racing to finish a resolution endorsing
the June 30 handover of sovereignty to Iraq's new government, amid
coalition hopes that it could be agreed as soon as this evening.
If adopted by consensus, the resolution would draw an important line under
pre- and post-war divisions, and offer a symbol of international co-operation
in building a stable democracy in the heart of the Middle East. A fourth
draft was expected yesterday in New York but, despite earlier indications,
there was no text at midday.
Diplomats said a successful vote would allow leaders of the Group of Eight
industrialised democracies gathering in Sea Island, Georgia, to focus on the
"war on terror" and how to promote economic and political reforms
in the Middle East.
Richard McCormack, who helped prepare such summits under the former Bush
administration, was hopeful that the G8 would find common ground on Iraq.
"The tensions and strains are gradually softening as we and they change
positions somewhat to desperately avoid civil war and implosion in Iraq. Bush
and Chirac are going out of their way to build bridges and mend this
relationship," he said.
A UK official said last night that the US and UK were hoping for a unanimous
15-0 endorsement of the UN resolution, amid signs that France could support
the latest draft and that Germany and Russia would follow suit.
"The Security Council draft resolution has been really improved,"
Yuri Fedotov, Russian deputy foreign minister, told Russia's First
Channel television. "It reflects proposals from Russia, France, Germany,
China and other Security Council members. In particular it has confirmation
that the new Iraqi government will have full sovereignty, control over
natural resources and security forces."
But even as diplomats awaited the draft, discussions continued over the
precise relationship between Iraq's interim government and the US-led
multinational force. In a written amendment, France said Iraq's explicit
agreement should be required for offensive operations.
The US and Iraq's prime minister designate had finessed the question in
two letters to the UN Security Council, indicating that Baghdad's
consent was needed for broad policy but leaving room for US commanders to
make tactical decisions.
Some diplomats suggested the letters were ambiguous by necessity, marrying
Iraq's demand for full sovereignty with US reluctance to subject its
troops to an Iraqi veto. But France and others have said it is essential to
send an unambiguous message that Iraqis are in control.
But the text also left other areas of concern. One note of caution was
sounded by Kurdish officials, who had demanded an explicit reference to
Iraq's interim constitution, which they believe crucial to ensuring
their right in a federal Iraq.
Additional reporting by James Blitz in London Kurds given role, Page 6
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