An American draft resolution is to be submitted to the UN giving Iraq's Governing Council until December 15th to develop a timetable for elections and a new constitution.
The resolution, backed by Britain and Spain, was given to other members of the UN Security Council over the weekend, and the United States will seek a vote on it this week.
It is the latest version of a resolution seeking international troops and money to help the US-led effort to rebuild Iraq.
Earlier drafts came under criticism from some European nations seeking a stronger role for the United Nations in Iraq and a speedier timetable for handing over power to Iraqis.
According to the resolution, the Governing Council must submit to the Security Council "a timetable and a programme for the drafting of a new constitution for Iraq and for the holding of democratic elections under the constitution" by December 15.
Earlier drafts had not mentioned any timetable for elections or a new constitution, and the deadline was likely a key concession to other members of the 15-nation Security Council.
But it is unclear how far the new draft would go toward assuaging other council members' concerns.
This draft calls for the creation of a multinational force to help maintain security in Iraq and the Security Council will review the force's mission no later than a year after the motion passes.
It also addresses concerns from UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who had demanded a lead role for the organisation or little role at all.
It says the United Nations "should strengthen its vital role in Iraq," saying it can do so by providing humanitarian relief, promoting economic reconstruction and helping to restore "institutions for representative governments."
AP