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United Nations: The United States began its month-long presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), by circulating an amended version of its draft resolution on Iraq that would enhance the role of the UN and alter the US-led coalition force into a multinational force.

Moving fast, US Ambassador John Negroponte called a meeting of other four permanent members within hours of assuming presidency of the council for the current month on October 1 and gave them the revised draft.

"As far as time is concerned, we would like to move expeditiously on it. We would also like to see the resolution in place, if possible, well in advance of the upcoming donors conference in Madrid on October 24," Negroponte said.

The new draft would alter the US-led coalition force into a multinational force, but under overall American command as originally envisaged. Washington promises to report to the Security Council at least once in six months. That falls short of the demands by French and several other possible troops contributors that the force should be led by the United Nations.

However, the resolution says that the occupation of Iraq by the American coalition is temporary until an "internationally recognised representative government is established by the people of Iraq and assumes the responsibilities of the (coalition) authority".

Council diplomats say that initial reaction of Russia and China was favourable with both considering it a step in the right direction.

PTI