UN Security Council Unanimously Votes for Resolution on Iraq's Future

Strategic Insights -

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has welcomed the unanimous vote of the UN Security Council on a resolution regarding the future of Iraq after the US-British occupation ends on June 30. The resolution, drafted by the US and Britain, endorses the newly-formed Iraqi interim government and authorizes the multinational force, primarily US troops, to remain in the country until elections by December 31, 2005. Annan expressed hope that security in Iraq will improve after the power handover, allowing elections to a transitional government to take place on January 31 as scheduled.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council adopted a resolution endorsing the Iraqi interim government and authorizing the multinational force to stay in Iraq until December 31, 2005.
  • The resolution was adopted unanimously, with the 15-nation council expressing the will of the international community to help the Iraqi people achieve peace and freedom under a sovereign government.
  • Annan expressed hope that security will improve after the June 30 power handover, enabling elections to a transitional government to take place on January 31.
  • The resolution calls for the creation of a force to protect UN staff and facilities, with a dedicated mission to engage in crisis management and protection of civilians.
  • Annan urged the Iraqi people and international community to support the interim government, which will govern the country until after the January elections.
  • The UN Security Council has, under the resolution, emphasized the importance of finding creative ways to play a role in Iraq if security conditions do not permit the return of UN staff.

Statistics:

  • The resolution was adopted unanimously by the UN Security Council on June 8.
  • The multinational force will remain in Iraq until December 31, 2005.
  • The elections to a transitional government are scheduled to take place on January 31, 2005.
  • The principal force authorized to remain in Iraq is the US-british drafted mission, with the majority of troops being US forces.

Sources:

  • Xinhua: UNITED NATIONS, June 8 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan hailed the unanimous vote of the UN Security Council on Tuesday for a resolution on the future of Iraq after the end of the US-British occupation on June 30.