By Nicola Smith - 24th May 2004
A UN Security Council resolution on the handover of sovereignty in Iraq can expect wide backing, Germany’s foreign minister said on Monday.
“I think a consensus is feasible, possible and desirable,” Joschka Fischer told reporters in Brussels.
The UK and US are tabling a draft resolution to Security Council ambassadors for the first time today which outlines plans for the handover to an Iraqi administration.
“There is broad consensus to achieve the transfer of authority by June 30, and to do this with a Security Council resolution,” said Fischer, adding that he discussed the issue with US Secretary of State Colin Powell on Sunday evening.
But he added that there was “broad agreement” to wait until a report by UN envoy Lakdhar Brahimi was completed before signing off the final resolution.
Brahimi, currently in Baghdad, is hoping by the end of May to achieve consensus between Iraq’s three communities on a caretaker government which would include a president, prime minister, two vice-presidents and 26 ministers.
According to current timetables, the first democratic elections in Iraq would be held in January 2005.
One of the most controversial issues to be resolved among members of the Security Council is the relationship between the US-led multinational force and the Iraqi government.
While Germany and France are reported to favour a “sunset clause” which would end the mandate of the international force unless the new government asks it to stay, the US and UK prefer a review after a year.
Both Washington and London are keen to mention the timetable for a political transition in the resolution, although the US has backed down over the endorsement of the Iraqi interim constitution.
“We are obviously looking forward to obtaining the maximum support for this resolution,” said UK Foreign Minister Jack Straw.
“I dare say that as with previous such resolutions, there will be quite a period of negotiations which is entirely to be expected, because this is a council where we need the support from all partners on the council..and have them pass by unanimity.”
“But what the resolution is about is ensuring that its made clear to everybody, above all to the Iraqis, that there is a full transfer of sovereignty and power taking place on the 30th of June, and too that within that there will be acceptable arrangements for the mandating of the multinational force.”
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.