The UN Security Council has approved a resolution that welcomes the Iraqi Governing Council and authorises a mission to oversee UN efforts to help rebuild the country and establish a democratic government.
Last night's vote was 14-0, with Syria abstaining because of its opposition to any endorsement of the 25-member Iraqi council that was appointed by the UnitedStates.
Nearly five months after the deeply divided security council refused to authorise the war on Iraq, the occupation of the country by the United Statesand Britain remains a sensitive issue, especially for Arab nations.
The Arab League declared on August 4th that its members - which include Syria - would not recognise the Governing Council and would wait instead until Iraq wasled by an elected government.
But approval of the resolution showed a broad acceptance of the Governing Council as a transitional body.
The United States reached agreement on the text with the four other permanent security council members - Britain, Russia, China and France - before the draft waspresented on Wednesday to the 10 non-permanent members.
Seven countries signed as co-sponsors of the resolution - Britain, Spain, Cameroon, Guinea, Bulgaria,Chile and Angola.
AP