UN Radio Security Cl Discusses New Iraq Resolution

UN Radio: Security Council Discusses New Iraq Resolution

Security Council Begins Discussion on New Iraq Resolution

The UN Security Council on Tuesday began discussions on the latest United States proposal for creating a new Iraqi government and holding elections. The revised draft resolution is aimed at gaining more international support for rebuilding and strengthening security in Iraq. It sets a December 15 deadline for the Iraqi Governing Council to present a timeframe for drafting a constitution and holding elections. United States Ambassador John Negroponte.

"…the notion is to make every effort to convey back to the people of Iraq and to the interim Iraqi administration as many of those authorities and governmental powers as soon as practicable."

The US proposal also seeks to create a multinational force under American command and urges other countries to commit troops and contribute to the rebuilding of Iraq.

Annan Says Latest US Draft on Iraq Offers No Major Shift

Secretary-General Kofi Annan says the new American draft resolution on Iraq does not represent a major shift in the US position. But he says he's grateful that the United States has taken into consideration some of his concerns. The Secretary-General says he will implement any resolution that the Council might adopt.

"…as we move forward, we will see how the situation develops and how I can introduce a greater number of staff to be able to carry on the mandate that is implied in the resolution."

The latest draft keeps the same sequence calling first for the writing of a constitution followed by elections and sovereignty last.

Construction of Israeli Wall Restricts Movement of Palestinians: Al-Kidwa

The Security Council is meeting in an open debate on the situation in the Middle East to discuss the "separation wall" that Israel is building in and around the Palestinian territories. The Permanent Observer of Palestine Nasser al-Kidwa says the wall has already resulted in the confiscation and destruction of land and water networks.

"The confiscation of Palestinian land on which the wall has been built and that which has been isolated between the wall and the armistice line has destructively impacted the lives of more than 200-thousand Palestinians civilians."

Dr. Al-Kidwa describes the Israeli action as a land grab aimed at colonization rather than anti-terrorism measures.

Israel Says Fence is Crucial to Stopping Terrorism

But Israel says the protection and security that the fence provides will help create an atmosphere conducive to peaceful and fruitful negotiations. Ambassador Dan Gillerman says the security fence is a crucial measure in taking terrorism out of the equation.

"The construction of the security fence is one of the most effective, non-violent methods of preventing the passage of terrorist and their armaments from the terrorist factories in the heart of Palestinian cities to the heart of civilian areas in Israel."

Ambassador Gillerman says there are no easy choices in what he termed "the horrendous situation" which Israel faces.

Security Council Approves Expansion of NATO beyond Kabul in Afghanistan

The UN Security Council has given a green light to NATO to expand its peacekeeping mission throughout Afghanistan to help improve security. All members of the Council voted to approve the resolution that allows the more than 5,000- strong international force to operate beyond the capital, Kabul. The president of the Security Council for this month, U.S Ambassador John Negroponte says Afghanistan deserves the freedoms that international security assistance can help bring.

"The freedom to move about freely, the freedom for children to attend school and for their teachers to teach them; the freedom to live life without constant fighting and bloodshed."

The force will help maintain security for international personnel engaged in reconstruction and humanitarian efforts.

Liberia Swears In New Leader After 14 Years of Civil War

In Liberia, a businessman and politician, Gyude Bryant, was sworn in Tuesday as Chairman of the National Transitional Government with the task of steering the war-torn West African country to elections in two years. In taking the oath of office, Mr. Bryant swore to defend Liberia's constitution as well as peace accords reached in August. In a message, Secretary-General Kofi Annan described the occasion as a turning point for Liberia. He urged Liberians to seize the opportunity provided by the international attention and resources currently directed at Liberia. Tuesday's ceremony was attended by the presidents of Ghana and Nigeria.

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