Russia is satisfied with the outcome of the UN Security Council debate on a new draft resolution regarding Iraq, Interfax quoted a Russian diplomatic source as saying Thursday.

"The Russian Foreign Ministry is satisfied that as a result of intensive diplomatic talks and contacts, the Russian position on greater UN involvement in the post-war settlement and reconstruction of Iraq won general recognition and backing," the source was quoted as saying.

"The consultations at the Security Council brought the sides closer to a coordinated draft resolution on Iraq that implies the formation of a full-scale UN mission of assistance to Iraq," the source noted.

The source made the remarks after the UN Security Council's five permanent members reached consensus Wednesday on a US-drafted resolution to "welcome" the establishment of the US-appointed Iraqi Governing Council.

The original US draft had proposed saying that United Nations members "endorse" the Governing Council.

The diplomat said that the Iraqi Governing Council, "as a provisional body of government," should, in cooperation with the United Nations, guarantee the adoption of a new constitution and hold democratic elections during an agreed period of time.

The diplomat added that the creation of the council was merely one of the steps to revive the sovereignty of Iraq.
 
(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2003)