- The Security Council declares its readiness to terminate the mandate of the multinational force "if requested by the elected transitional government of Iraq." The transitional government is to be elected by Jan. 31, 2005.

- The mandate for the multinational force in Iraq "shall expire upon the completion of the political process." This process ends with the election of a new government under a new constitution by Dec. 31, 2005.

- It notes "that the presence of the multinational force in Iraq is at the request of the incoming interim government of Iraq" and anticipates a request from the incoming Iraqi interim government to keep the force there. It leaves room for the date of that request to be included in the resolution.

- The council "welcomes efforts by the incoming interim government of Iraq to develop Iraqi security forces, which will operate under the authority of the interim government of Iraq and its successors, and which will progressively play a greater role and ultimately assume responsibility for the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq."

_It starts out with a new declaration "marking a new phase in Iraq's transition to a democratically elected government, and looking forward to the end of the occupation and the assumption of authority by a fully sovereign Interim Government of Iraq by June 30, 2004."

_It reaffirms Iraq's unity as well as its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

_It reaffirms "the right of the Iraqi people freely to determine their own political future and control their own natural resources."

_It stresses "the need for all parties to respect and protect Iraq's archaeological, historical, cultural and religious heritage."

- It decides that the United Nations will operate in Iraq "as circumstances permit" and play "a leading role" in assisting the convening of a national conference to select a Consultative Council, advising and supporting the interim government on the holding of elections, and promoting national dialogue on the drafting of a new constitution.