The United Nations Security Council is expected to vote Friday on a resolution that would expand the U.N. role in Iraq. The U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Zalmay Khalilzad, told reporters that the vote - originally scheduled for Thursday - was delayed to give members of the Iraqi government time to review some minor changes made to the documents.
He said the extra time was needed to make sure the documents are circulated among Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is visiting Iran.
The resolution proposed by the U.S. and Britain calls for extending by one year the mandate of the existing U.N. mission in Iraq before it expires next week. It authorizes the U.N. to facilitate regional dialogue on topics such as border security, energy, and refugees.
It also calls on the U.N. to advise, support, and assist in the review of the Iraqi constitution and in implementing its provisions, as well as developing a process to resolve internal disputes.
The United States has been pressing for an expanded role for the United Nations. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says he would support the idea, provided adequate security for staff could be assured.
The current small U.N. mission in Iraq helps organize elections, facilitate national dialogue, and develop governmental institutions. - VOA News
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