UN renewed the mandate of US-led multinational force in Iraq

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-29-2006 13:28

Special Report:   Iraq in Transition

The U.N. Security Council has unanimously renewed the mandate of the 160,000-member U.S.-led multinational force in Iraq through the end of 2007.

The council acted quickly on Tuesday, in response to a request from Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. He said his government's top priority is to ensure security and stability in the country.

The resolution, drafted by the US, extends the mandate of the multi-national force for one year starting on December 31st. It also authorizes a mid-year review at the request of the Iraqi government.

US Ambassador to the UN, John Bolton, praised the resolution for its intent and its timing.He said, "I think this is a very important decision by the Council. It shows the resolve to continue to cooperate with the government of Iraq and I think it's very fitting that the Council's acted just a day or two before President Bush and Prime Minister al-Maliki will meet in Aman."

But the same resolution was not well received by France. The French Representative Minster to the UN said his country and government believe strongly in the importance of eventually withdrawing foreign troops.

"The French authorities, as well as the President of the French republic, have always felt that offering a clear horizon of the eventual withdrawal of foreign troops will allow us to send out the message that the objective of the international community is the re-establishment of the sovereignty of Iraq."

Moscow remained nervous about the escalation of violence in Iraq.

Vitaly Churkin, Russian permanent representative to UN,said "We must recognize that the situation in Iraq continues to be complex. Signs of its improvement are not being seen. In spite of all of the efforts being made by the government of Iraq, and by the multi-national force, the growth of violence and terrorist activity continues."

The vote came two weeks after al-Maliki wrote the council, reiterating Baghdad's goal of eventually assuming responsibility for the recruiting, training and arming of Iraq's security forces.

 

Editor:Ji Xuewen