US puts Iraq resolution to UN vote
The United States plans to call a Security Council vote later on Wednesday regarding a revised draft resolution on the future of Iraq.
The US wants more countries to provide aid and troops, and has revised its original draft resolution based on amendments suggested by Russia, France and Germany.
However, the US and Britain have rejected calls for a deadline for the coalition to return sovereignty and government to the Iraqi people.
It is unlikely that any of the Security Council members will veto the vote, but France, Germany and Russia are still considering whether to abstain.
Security Council members met late last night to discuss changes to the draft resolution designed to win maximum support.
UN secretary general Kofi Annan said the new text did “not represent a major shift” in the US position, but has called on Security Council members to work together towards an acceptable resolution.
Announcing the vote, US ambassador, John Negroponte, said: “I think we have made every effort possible to take into account the views of various delegations”
The resolution needs a minimum of nine “yes” votes out of the 15 Council members.
