U.S. May Put Off Council Vote on Iraq

Wed Oct 8, 9:12 PM Listen to Audio

By EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press Writer

UNITED NATIONS - The United States is reconsidering whether to push a divided Security Council to vote on an Iraq resolution amid growing doubts about whether the measure would generate additional troops and money to stabilize and rebuild the country.

The White House said Wednesday it still believes its proposed resolution can be adopted, but U.S. officials at the United Nations said the proposal was being reassessed, stressing there would be no significant change in the American stance, which opposes a quick handover of authority to Iraqis.

The review of the resolution follows last week's announcement by Secretary-General Kofi Annan all but ruling out any U.N. political role in Iraq while the United States and Britain are still the occupying powers. It took U.S. officials by surprise and raised concerns among some Security Council members about the direction of the U.S. draft.

More...