Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=5/22/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=UN / IRAQ / VOTE (S)

NUMBER=2-303519

BYLINE=JENNY BADNER

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

INTERNET=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The U-N Security Council is expected to adopt a resolution lifting sanctions against Iraq and granting the United States and Britain broad control over the country's economic and political affairs. Correspondent Jenny Badner reports from the United Nations.

TEXT: The vote follows days of negotiations and modifications of the text to end 12 years of U-N imposed economic sanctions.

Despite earlier misgivings, council members France, Germany, and Russia have indicated their willingness to approve the measure. A series of concessions and a desire to restore council unity apparently helped resolve the debate.

In its final version, the U-S and British led coalition have extensive control over Iraq's political life and its oil revenues for reconstruction.

But the resolution also allows the council to review the measure in one year. It marks the end of the "occupying powers'" authority with the formation of an internationally recognized Iraqi government.

France, Russia, and Germany had pressed for broader U-N involvement in Iraq's political life. The resolution gives a special U-N representative a limited role in the creation of an interim Iraqi government. (SIGNED)

NEB/JB/RAE