08/06/2004
Agreement on draft UN resolution on Iraq 'expected soon'
A UN Security Council resolution on the transfer of sovereignty in Iraq is expected soon, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has told MPs.
Authority will transfer from the UK and US to the Iraqi government on 30 June and the resolution will set out the status of the multinational force and its relationship to Iraq's security forces.
The new resolution will mean that the mandate of the multinational force will expire by 31 December 2005, but the Iraqi government will have a right to review or terminate it earlier.
The Security Council has been discussing the resolution over the weekend and a revised draft text is being sent to members today.
Mr Straw also said that the UN would advise on the organisation of elections to be held by the end of January 2005.
"The biggest challenge which the new government of Iraq will face is to build security," he said.
"There will be those who will continue to seek to disrupt the transition to successful democracy in Iraq, and to force decisions by the bomb, not the ballot box. But the Iraqi government is firmly resolved to defeat the men of violence; and we are resolved to help them to do so."
He paid tribute to the British troops, police and civilians who are working in Iraq.
"There will be some difficult times ahead, but the path to a free and democratic Iraq is now clear. The British government will remain committed to helping the Iraqi government and people to achieve that historic goal," Mr Straw added.
(gmcg)
Authority will transfer from the UK and US to the Iraqi government on 30 June and the resolution will set out the status of the multinational force and its relationship to Iraq's security forces.
The new resolution will mean that the mandate of the multinational force will expire by 31 December 2005, but the Iraqi government will have a right to review or terminate it earlier.
The Security Council has been discussing the resolution over the weekend and a revised draft text is being sent to members today.
Mr Straw also said that the UN would advise on the organisation of elections to be held by the end of January 2005.
"The biggest challenge which the new government of Iraq will face is to build security," he said.
"There will be those who will continue to seek to disrupt the transition to successful democracy in Iraq, and to force decisions by the bomb, not the ballot box. But the Iraqi government is firmly resolved to defeat the men of violence; and we are resolved to help them to do so."
He paid tribute to the British troops, police and civilians who are working in Iraq.
"There will be some difficult times ahead, but the path to a free and democratic Iraq is now clear. The British government will remain committed to helping the Iraqi government and people to achieve that historic goal," Mr Straw added.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 July 2004
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
09 June 2004
UN passes unanimous resolution on Iraq
The UN Security Council has unanimously endorsed the new leadership and paved the way for Iraqis to assume “full responsibility and authority” for their country, including decisions on security matters, at the end of the month.
UN passes unanimous resolution on Iraq
The UN Security Council has unanimously endorsed the new leadership and paved the way for Iraqis to assume “full responsibility and authority” for their country, including decisions on security matters, at the end of the month.
05 September 2003
US draft resolution on Iraq opens old wounds
A US draft resolution circulated to the UN Security Council members, seeking an international force for Iraq, has met with stiff opposition from both the French and German governments. The resolution would be the first step in paving the way for a multinational peacekeeping force to be deployed in Iraq with UN Security Council support.
US draft resolution on Iraq opens old wounds
A US draft resolution circulated to the UN Security Council members, seeking an international force for Iraq, has met with stiff opposition from both the French and German governments. The resolution would be the first step in paving the way for a multinational peacekeeping force to be deployed in Iraq with UN Security Council support.
17 October 2003
UN agrees resolution on Iraqi administration
After weeks of intensive negotiations, the UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a new resolution outlining the roles of the United Nations, the United States-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) and the Iraqi Governing Council in international efforts to bring peace and stability to Iraq.
UN agrees resolution on Iraqi administration
After weeks of intensive negotiations, the UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a new resolution outlining the roles of the United Nations, the United States-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) and the Iraqi Governing Council in international efforts to bring peace and stability to Iraq.
27 January 2010
Goldsmith Before Iraq Inquiry
The Government's former chief legal adviser Lord Goldsmith did change his stance on the legality of the Iraq war prior to the invasion, he admitted today. Lord Goldsmith, the ex-Attorney General, said his first ruling that a second UN resolution was necessary had been "too cautious".
Goldsmith Before Iraq Inquiry
The Government's former chief legal adviser Lord Goldsmith did change his stance on the legality of the Iraq war prior to the invasion, he admitted today. Lord Goldsmith, the ex-Attorney General, said his first ruling that a second UN resolution was necessary had been "too cautious".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.