United Nations: United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan's strong refusal to United States' new draft resolution on Iraq has strengthened opposition to it in the Security Council and diplomats say its future is bleak unless Washington decides to make substantial changes.

Though none of the Veto wielding members of the Council has so far threatened to kill it if it is put to vote, diplomats point out that it still lacks nine votes needed for its adoption by the 15-member Council. The question of Veto would arise only if it is able to get requisite number of positive votes.

Apparently to assuage Annan's feelings and soften his opposition, US Secretary of State Colin Powell on October 3, telephoned him to assure that the United States intends to assign substantial role to the world body and later American UN Ambassador John Negroponte held discussions with the Secretary-General.

But the Council members did not hold discussions on the resolution which is now being considered in the capitals. They have scheduled closed-door meeting on October 6, by which time they would have received preliminary instructions from their respective governments.

Diplomats say that the US now has limited options - either to substantial redraft the resolution proving for handing over administrative authority to Iraqis within months or just forget it.

If it takes the latter course, it would find it difficult to get troops from other countries for stabilization of Iraq and funds for rebuilding the country and its institutions.

PTI