U.N. Security Council Renews Iraq Mandate

Thanks to Ralph Kostant for directing me to this AP story. Key graphs:

The resolution, co-sponsored by the United States, Britain, Denmark, Japan and Romania, was adopted in response to a request from Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari for the U.S.-led force to remain in the country.

The current mandate authorizing the presence of the force expires on Dec. 31, about two weeks after parliamentary elections — the end point of the political process as defined by the Security Council.

The resolution extends the mandate until Dec. 31, 2006, with a review after eight months. Under its terms, the council will "terminate this mandate earlier if requested by the government of Iraq."

Ralph notes: "This story puts the lie to any charge that the presence of US and allied troops in Iraq violates international law or represents unilateralism."

Indeed.