Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=10/9/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=(CQ) U-N / IRAQ RESOLUTION (L-O)

NUMBER=2-308432

BYLINE=PETER HEINLEIN

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// RE-ISSUING TO RESTORE THREE WORDS DROPPED FROM TEXT IN FIRST SENTENCE OF NEXT TO LAST GRAF. SENTENCE SHOULD READ: U-S diplomats acknowledge there is little hope that Security Council members France and Germany will support the draft resolution as it is. ///

INTRO: Washington's ambassador to the United Nations reports no progress on efforts to win Security Council approval of a draft resolution on Iraq. From U-N headquarters, Peter Heinlein reports that international efforts to raise money for rebuilding Iraq are hinging on the resolution's fate.

TEXT: In the face of fierce opposition from Secretary General Kofi Annan and several Security Council members, U-S Ambassador John Negroponte says the U-S resolution on rebuilding Iraq is stalled.

/// NEGROPONTE ACT ///

There are no developments with regard to the draft resolution in the sense that we have no counsel, no consultations scheduled at the moment. The last meeting we had was earlier this week. We're still in a pause period while capitals, including our own, consider next steps.

/// END ACT ///

News reports indicate several E-U countries are quietly pressuring the United States to revise the draft to accept a speedy transfer of sovereignty in Iraq. There is also pressure to give the United Nations a greater role in the transition process.

But Ambassador Negroponte told reporters Thursday he sees no need for any substantial compromise.

/// 2ND NEGROPONTE ACT ///

We have got a text on the table that we think is a good text. We think it addresses the principle concerns that are out there, and if we are to put a text to a vote. I wouldn't expect any radical departures or changes from what you've already seen.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Negroponte's comments came amid reports that unless Washington is willing to compromise, some E-U countries might favor a postponement of an international donors conference on Iraq. That conference is set to begin October 23rd in Madrid.

When asked whether Secretary General Kofi Annan favors such a delay, his spokeswoman Hua Jiang was evasive.

/// HUA JIANG ACT ///

Well, the Secretary General hasn't lately spoken in public of his views of this donor meeting, but as you know he's working very hard to get a consensus among the Security Council members on the resolution, which will have an impact on this donor conference.

/// END ACT ///

U-S diplomats acknowledge there is little hope that Security Council members France and Germany will support the draft resolution. Other members have indicated they share Secretary General Annan's reservations.

Officials in Washington have indicated they may abandon the resolution if it appears headed for defeat. A State Department spokesman told reporters that while they would prefer to see a resolution pass, the option to proceed without one is being considered. (Signed)

NEB/NYC/pfh/KL/PT