Excerpts from statements by the 15 members of the United Nations Security Council following the unanimous approval of the US-UK resolution on Iraq's future.
US Ambassador to the UN John Negroponte
The vote followed two weeks of intense consultations
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With today's [Tuesday] vote we acknowledge an important milestone. By 30 June, Iraq will reassert its sovereignty, a step forward on the path towards a democratically elected government.
This resolution makes clear that Iraq's sovereignty will be undiluted, and that the government of Iraq will have the sovereign authority to request and to decline assistance, including in the security sector.
The government of Iraq will have the final say on the presence of the multinational force.
UK Ambassador to the UN Emyr Jones Parry
Today's resolution marks a defining moment for Iraq. The resolution... sets a clear path to Iraq's future development.
The promise is great - a stable, federal, democratic, pluralistic and unified Iraq where there is full respect for human rights - a stark contrast to the past.
French Ambassador to the UN Jean-Marc De Sabliere
Throughout the negotiations France was both demanding - because the stakes were so high - and constructive - because the unity of the council was important.
The resolution clearly states from this moment on that Iraqi forces will not be part of the multinational force... but it does not say what would happen in the event of disagreement. That is why France would have preferred the text to mention that the final say in this case would fall to the Iraqi interim government.
All in all, the Security Council has assumed its share of responsibility... it will be up to the Iraqi government to win the confidence of the Iraqi people.
Russian Charge D'Affaires at the UN Alexander Konuzin
The resolution unequivocally confirms the right of the Iraqi people to determine their future.
Only time will tell whether adoption of this resolution will help achieve a turnaround in Iraq. Much will depend on whether the Iraqis themselves sense a real transition from a military occupation to a restoration of sovereignty.
Chinese Ambassador to the UN Wang Guangya
The resolution is a milestone that marks the end to the past and beginning of the future.
The resolution has undoubtedly laid foundations for the fulfilment of... the aspirations of the Iraqi people.
We are pleased that the UN Security Council now stands unified again.
German Ambassador to the UN Gunter Pleuger
Germany welcomes the unanimous adoption of the resolution. It is of crucial importance that the resolution is implemented with unequivocal support for the full sovereignty of Iraq.
Algerian Ambassador to the UN Abdallah Baali
The resolution we just adopted is undoubtedly the best we could get under the present circumstances.
It marks a new chapter for the Iraqi people in their quest for stability and democracy, yet Iraq's future is loaded with dangers.
Pakistani Ambassador to the UN Abdallah Baali
This resolution should mark a new beginning for Iraq and its people. We view this resolution as the most significant step since the Gulf War towards the normalisation of the situation in Iraq.
Chilean Ambassador to the UN Heraldo Munoz
No negotiation produces the result that is best for all - this is the best resolution.
The process of peace-building will be difficult. We are pleased with the security partnership between the multinational force and the government of Iraq. The UN is again at the centre of gravity in assisting Iraq.
Spanish Ambassador to the UN Juan Antonio Yanez-Barnuevo
This is certainly not an ideal resolution... Spain wanted a more ambitious role for the United Nations.
The government of Spain will continue to give its strong support to the security and the territorial integrity of Iraq.
Brazilian Ambassador to the UN Ronaldo Mota Sardenberg
The resolution marks the end of the occupation of Iraq. This resolution is possibly the best outcome for the negotiating process given the circumstances.
Romanian Ambassador to the UN Mihnea Ioan Motoc
Romania supported and co-sponsored the resolution... what we saw developing in this Security Council is effective multilateralism.
Angolan Ambassador to the UN Ismael Abraao Gaspar Martins
We are proud to be part of this consensus reached at the Security Council.
Benin's Ambassador to the UN Joel Adechi
We welcome the open-mindedness on the part of the co-sponsors of the resolution.
The Philippines' Ambassador to the UN Lauro Baja
Yesterday we were divided on Iraq, today we are united on Iraq.
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Yesterday we were divided on Iraq, today we are united on Iraq.
