IRAQ - UN Role.

The UN Security Council (UNSC) on Aug. 10 unanimously passed Resolution 1770, expanding the UN's political role in Iraq. The resolution extended the UN's mission in Iraq for a year and gave it new roles such as helping to resolve disputed internal boundaries and assist Baghdad in a "comprehensive" census. The UN will promote national reconciliation and help by the neighbouring states in Iraq's stabilisation.

Based on a UK draft backed by the US, the resolution called for an increase in the UN's personnel in Iraq from 65 to 95 by end-October. The US Ambassador to the UN, Zalmay Khalilzad, said the US-led MNF in Iraq will protect the UN staff and installations. Thanking the UNSC members for passing the resolution, he said the US will help the UN succeed in its new Iraq mission.