Security Council Unanimously Approves Iraq Resolution

UN Security Council (file photo) United Nations, 8 June 2004 (RFE/RL) -- The UN Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution that endorses the handover of sovereignty to an interim Iraqi government. The resolution also authorizes a U.S.-led multinational force to maintain security in the country.

The 15-0 vote followed intense negotiations in which the U.S. and British sponsors of the resolution agreed to add language that stresses a U.S.-Iraq "security partnership."

Council members which opposed the war in Iraq, such as France and Germany, expressed satisfaction with a U.S.-Iraqi pledge to work out a policy to cooperate on sensitive military operations.

Iraqi officials want the resolution to restore genuine sovereignty and remove the appearance of military occupation.

U.S. officials hope the resolution will draw increased contributions from UN members for peacekeepers to protect UN staff helping with reconstruction and preparations for direct elections in seven months.