Security Council Members Predict Unanimous Vote on Iraq

[Freddie Stubbs]

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: June 8, 2004


Filed at 2:40 p.m. ET

UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- The U.N. Security Council was expected to give a resounding 15-0 endorsement Tuesday to a U.S. resolution granting Iraq's new government sovereignty 14 months after the fall of Saddam Hussein. President Bush predicted the measure would instill democracy and be a ``catalyst for change'' in the Middle East.

France and Germany dropped their objections to the resolution after a last-minute compromise that gives Iraqi leaders a say on ``sensitive offensive operations'' by the multinational force -- such as the controversial siege of Fallujah. But the proposal stops short of granting the Iraqis a veto over major U.S.-led military operations.

Bush told reporters at the Group of Eight summit in Sea Island, Ga., that a unanimous vote would tell the world that the council nations ``are interested in working together to make sure Iraq is free, peaceful and democratic.''

Asked whether he had given up on the resolution leading to more troops from more countries, Bush said ``I expect nations to contribute as they see fit.'' Four members of the Group of Eight summit -- France, Germany, Russia and Canada -- have said they won't send troops.

more: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/international/AP-UN-Iraq.html?hp

[salin]

1. How much does this REALLY help georgie politically if the resolution

doesn't lead to bringing in more (international) troops on the ground at a level significant enough to start bringing troops back from IRaq?

Asked whether he had given up on the resolution leading to more troops from more countries, Bush said ``I expect nations to contribute as they see fit.'' Four members of the Group of Eight summit -- France, Germany, Russia and Canada -- have said they won't send troops.