Britain, US push for greater UN role in Iraq

[babylonsister]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,2140106,00.html

UN resolution seeks to expand role in Iraq

Mark Tran and agencies
Thursday August 2, 2007
Guardian Unlimited

Britain and the US are pushing for a greater UN role in Iraq, despite the organisation's reluctance to deepen its mission because of security fears.

The two allies last night circulated a draft resolution that would extend the UN's mandate for a year, and authorise it to facilitate "regional dialogue, including on issues of border security, energy and refugees".

Currently the UN has a small mission in Iraq that has helped organise elections, promote national dialogue and develop institutions for representative government. Its current mandate expires on August 10.

Under US and British plans, the UN's role would be expanded. A copy of the draft resolution, obtained by the Associated Press, said the mission would "advise, support and assist the people and government of Iraq on advancing an inclusive national dialogue and political reconciliation".

more...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,2140106,00.html

[TwilightGardener]

1. The Levin-Reed amendment called for this as well. Of course, it didn't pass...