U.S. Cites Progress On UN Iraq Resolution

Washington, 21 May 2004 (RFE/RL) - The U.S. government says negotiators at the United Nations are getting closer to the proposed text of a Security Council resolution that would authorize a multinational force in Iraq after the 30 June handover of sovereignty by the U.S.-led coalition forces.

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher told reporters in Washington on 21 May that a broad accord has emerged on the draft proposal.

"We do feel there is very substantial agreement on the basic elements of a resolution," Boucher said. "On the need to endorse and encourage the new government, endorse the political process that's under way leading to elections, provide for the vital roles that the United Nations can play, provide for the continuation of the multinational force and make sure that it's clear that various assets like the development fund are turned over into Iraqi hands."

Boucher said the United States is not looking for an open-ended stationing of forces in Iraq.