A new draft UN resolution for Iraq emphasises an eventual transfer of power to Iraqis but still leaves the US-led coalition in total control.
The new draft gives the UN a list of duties similar to earlier versions. But it falls short of demands by France, Russia, Germany and others that the world body play a pivotal, independent role in overseeing the country's transition.
The document has been sent to ambassadors from veto-wielding UN Security Council nations - France, Britain, Russia and China, and it may soon be shared with the wider membership of the Council.
The Secretary of State Colin Powell briefed members of the Security Council by telephone yesterday and the full text is expected to be sent to other Security Council States today.
Diplomats expect considerable pressure for changes before the measure is adopted by the 15-member Security Council. At minimum, they say, the draft should set a date for when a plan leading to Iraqi sovereignty could be submitted.
The main purpose of the new resolution, as before, is to transform the military operation into a UN-authorised multinational force under American command.
This provision is aimed at attracting more contributions from nations wary of sending soldiers as part of an occupation force, although volunteers appear to be scarce.
The 25-member Iraqi Governing Council, appointed by the United States, would provide a timetable and programme for drafting a new constitution and for elections, in co-operation with the occupation authorities and the United Nations.
The UN would help, if asked by Iraqi leaders, to establish an electoral process along with "advancing efforts to restore and establish national and local institutions for representative government," the draft says.
To meet some objections, the text speaks of the "temporary nature" of the US-led occupation "until an internationally recognised, representative government is established."