United Nations, 12 August 2003 (RFE/RL) -- The United States is circulating suggestions for a new UN Security Council resolution that would endorse the U.S.-appointed Governing Council in Iraq. Late yesterday, UN diplomats told RFE/RL the United States is hoping for a vote on the resolution this week. The U.S. move to win international legitimacy to the Governing Council comes as Egypt reitereated yesterday that Arab countries will not recognize the 25-member Iraqi council.
UN diplomats said the U.S. proposal would also formally establish a UN mission in Iraq to help in reconstruction and aid efforts. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has requested the formation of such a mission to provide a firmer legal basis for UN staff in Iraq.
Elsewhere in Iraq yesterday, one U.S. soldier was killed in a bomb blast. The death brought to 56 the number of U.S. troops killed since U.S. President George W. Bush declared major fighting over on 1 May.
UN diplomats said the U.S. proposal would also formally establish a UN mission in Iraq to help in reconstruction and aid efforts. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has requested the formation of such a mission to provide a firmer legal basis for UN staff in Iraq.
Elsewhere in Iraq yesterday, one U.S. soldier was killed in a bomb blast. The death brought to 56 the number of U.S. troops killed since U.S. President George W. Bush declared major fighting over on 1 May.