United Nations: The fate of Washington's proposal for a United Nations mandated force under American command remained uncertain as a weeklong US diplomacy failed to sway France, Russia and Germany who want more say in the decision-making and political process.

Diplomats of several nations are echoing Secretary General Kofi Annan's words, "More burden-sharing and more sharing of responsibilities." Besides, diplomats say there is also the question of lucrative contracts, which at present are being monopolised by the American companies. Other nations too want a part of the pie.

When the Security Council adjourned on August 30 for a three-day recess, none of the major powers indicated any shift in their stand.

There is no draft as yet though the United States administration is looking at various formulations and there is internal debate in Washington on the language.

US diplomats are discussing the idea with their counterparts from other major powers and some diplomats say Washington might put some of them on paper next week.

But Washington seemed to be determined not to bring forward the resolution unless it sees a good chance of it being adopted by the 15-member Council.

It would like to finalise the draft by September 23 when high level segment of the United Nations' General Assembly's annual session begins. At that time several heads of state and government and foreign ministers would be in New York.

PTI