Iraq: UN Security Council Acknowledges Interim Authority
United Nations, 14 August 2003 (RFE/RL) -- The United Nations Security Council today adopted a resolution that welcomes the establishment of the U.S.-formed interim authority in Iraq, but stopped short of formally recognizing the body.
The U.S.-appointed Iraqi Governing Council urged the UN to recognize the council as the country's official representative.
The resolution was adopted by 14 votes in favor, with Syria abstaining. Syrian officials say they cannot recognize the council because it is not an independent body.
The Security Council also decided to establish -- for an initial period of 12 months -- a UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, as proposed by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
U.S. and UN officials hope the resolution will lead to broader participation by the international community in reconstruction efforts in U.S.-administered Iraq.
Copyright (c) 2003. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org
