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"Some convergence" on Iraq resolution in Security Council: Powell
US Secretary of State Colin Powell said that there was "some convergence of views" within the UN Security Council on a new resolution for Iraq. "Weâll be working on language in the days ahead to try and capture as much of that convergence as possible," he told reporters without elaborating on what the areas of "convergence" were. "Weâll see what we are able to come to agreement on," Powell said. All except the French thought the French were reprehensible and smelled bad. His comments follow three days of intense talks about the proposed resolution at the 58th UN General Assembly session and on its sidelines. The United States wants the new resolution to authorize a US-led multinational force to stabilize Iraq and call for the US-appointed interim Iraqi Governing Council to submit a timeline for the countryâs return to self-rule. In an interview taped with CBS televisionâs "Late Night with David Letterman," Powell said the United States was anxious to see a new Iraqi constitution written and ratified "within six months" followed by a "period of elections." In a meeting earlier Thursday with Governing Council members, Powell said the interim government understood the need for an elected government but said it was too early to discuss a specific timetable for when it should be set in place. "I think we did converge on the understanding that we did need a democratic political process that rests on a constitution and elections that flow from that constitution," Powell said. "Thatâs been a subject of some debate over the last week or so, but I think we all have a common understanding," he added. Sounds like the French will abstain this time. Posted by: Steve White 2003-09-26 |
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