MNF Mandate Approved through December reaffirming operations in country until at least end of 07

[babylonsister]

http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/3200/MNF_Mandate_Approved_through_December

MNF Mandate Approved through December
Critics "Concerned" as UNSC Reviews Coalition Activity, Iraqi Progress


The United Nations Security Council approved the extension of the mandate of the multinational forces (MNF) in Iraq on Wednesday, reaffirming the MNF's clear mandate to operate in the country until the end of 2007.

In the course of the debate, one UNSC veto power called for the indication of "deadlines" for the multinational coalition, while the UN's highest ranking official in Iraq had tough words on the progress in the country, and an NGO watchdog released a scathing report reviewing MNF humanitarian and international law performance since 2003.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, who traveled to New York for the council’s review, told the body that "the government has made tremendous strides toward the day when security will be provided by a self-sufficient, Iraqi national security force," in spite of the violence wracking much of Iraq.

"While Iraqis will always be grateful for their liberation from an absolute despot, no Iraqi government official — indeed, no Iraqi citizen — wants the presence of foreign troops on Iraqi soil one day longer than is vitally necessary," he said, the AP writes.

"But today, and for the foreseeable months at least, the presence of (MNF) troops is vitally necessary not only for Iraq but also to safeguard regional security and stability," Zebari said, according to the news agency.

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[sicksicksick_N_tired]

1. Gee. This was done very quietly, it seems.

:(