Approval of boosted U.N. role in Iraq looks likely

[Mojorabbit]

Source: reuters

By Patrick Worsnip

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Russia signaled its assent on Thursday to a U.S.-British draft resolution that would expand the political role of the United Nations in Iraq, making its approval by the Security Council almost certain.

"I think it's overall a good draft. Some work, of course, may be required, but I don't see any basic problems," Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told reporters.

The draft circulated to the Security Council's 15 member states on Wednesday called for a major upgrade to the scope of the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq, or UNAMI, which Western countries hope can help smooth over sectarian differences.

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"In order to reduce the sources of violence, we believe that the United Nations can help Iraqis come to a national compact, come to an agreement on these big issues on which there are differences," Khalilzad told reporters on Thursday.

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Western diplomats say it will be up to the United Nations to decide if it needs to increase the approximately 300 staff UNAMI has, should the resolution pass.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSN0240427820070803

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I am a bit surprised by this.