Positions of major powers on US-British revised resolution on Iraq

The United States and Britain presented the revised draft resolution on Iraq to the UN Security Council on Tuesday in a bid to gain support from China, Germany, France and other Security Council members for the power transfer in Iraq.

Under the new resolution, the US-led coalition forces would leave Iraq "upon the completion of the political process" in late 2005 or early 2006. The United Nations would play a leading role in helping Iraqis convene a national conference, organize elections and draft a permanent constitution, among other tasks.

The new version also says the mandate of the coalition forces could be terminated earlier if requested by Iraq's transitional government which will be elected by January 31, 2005 and will govern Iraq before a permanent constitution is written.

The following are the positions of major countries, the United Nations and the European Union on the draft document:

The United Nations

He told reporters that the world body has been preparing for a quick return to Iraq, including looking for premises for its office and talking to certain countries on the establishment of a force to protect UN staff and facilities in Iraq.

But he insisted that the return of UN staff is "contingent" on the improvement of the security situation in Iraq.

The European Union

EU foreign and security policy chief Javier Solana expressed his hope that the UN Security Council will approve the new resolution on the transfer of sovereignty in Iraq.

"I very much hope that the Security Council resolution will be approved, if possible unanimously, so that the (Iraq) government will have the legitimacy needed to move the country forward to stability," Solana said during his visit to The Hague.

France

"You could describe the current draft resolution as a good basis for discussions but it still needs improvements," Chirac told a joint news conference in Paris with visiting Prime MinisterBertie Ahern of Ireland, whose country currently holds the European Union rotating presidency.

Chirac said the improvements should focus on "affirming and confirming the full sovereignty of the Iraqi government, notably in military matters."

Germany

There is "need for correction" in the draft resolution concerning the competence of the interim Iraqi government and security structure in the country, said Bela Anda, spokesman for the German Chancellory.

Germany, currently a non permanent member of the UN Security Council, is working with other countries for a resolution which will be the ground for the full sovereignty and peaceful development of Iraq, he said.

Anda reiterated that Germany would not send troops to Iraq evenif a UN resolution was adopted authorizing peace-keeping mission in the war-torn country. China

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said Tuesday that China hopes the amendments proposed by China and some other countries to the US-British draft resolution on Iraq would be "seriously considered."

China proposed major amendments to the US-British draft resolution on Iraq last Wednesday, calling for a time limit on thestay of the US-led multinational force as well as a say by Iraqis on its operation after power is transferred to a new Iraqi government on June 30.

Russia

"The Security Council (must) be certain that the government commands acceptance inside Iraq and outside Iraq, in other words that it is legitimate," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during a visit to Norway.

Russia has a long list of demands, including wanting two resolutions, one immediately to endorse an interim government and another after it takes office for all other issues.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yury Fedotov reiterated on Tuesday a call for convening a meeting between the new Iraqi leaders and UN Security Council members before the council passes a new resolution on Iraq.

Spain

"Efforts are under way to pin a final date on the presence of the multinational force (in Iraq) and that is a good thing. But wehave to see how and also what language is used. Elements ... need improving," Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said Wednesday.

Source:Xinhua