UNITED NATIONS -- The Security Council adopted unanimously today a one-year renewal of the United Nations mandate for the United States-led multinational force in Iraq.

The resolution, sponsored by Britain, Denmark, Japan, Romania and the United States, extends the mandate until Dec. 31, 2006, but calls for a review of the decision by June 15, 2006, and allows for the termination of the mandate at any point if Iraq requests it.

The review clause was added as a compromise with the demands of France and Russia, which initially asked that the term be extended only six months rather than a year.

The drawing-up of the measure was remarkably dispute-free on an issue that two years ago deeply divided the Security Council and threw relations between the United Nations and the United States into turmoil.

Commenting outside the Council chamber after the vote, John R. Bolton, the United States ambassador, said, "We thought the manner in which the resolution was adopted in a constructive, cooperative, and very rapid fashion was a good sign."

Samir Shakir M. Sumaida'ie, the Iraqi ambassador, said, "We note with satisfaction the manner in which this resolution was passed in an environment of harmony and agreement."

Mr. Bolton said the 15-to-0 vote "expressed the clear desire of the international community to support the evolving democratic process in Iraq."

The United States-led coalition's mandate for Iraq was established by the Security Council in June 2004 and would have expired with the end of the country's transitional government, which occurs with national elections next month.

The United States sought an early adoption of the renewal to spare the incoming elected government the burden of having to make a request for international military assistance so early in its existence and to forestall the possible resurgence of any Security Council disagreement or the exit of any of the countries still participating in the coalition.

The measure also extends arrangements for depositing oil and natural gas profits into the Development Fund for Iraq and for overseeing the fund by the International Advisory and Monitoring Board.

"Addressing these issues now will facilitate continued international support for Iraq's security, and it will give the newly elected Iraqi government time to assume office, address constitutional questions and consolidate its authority before confronting issues such as those addressed in this resolution," Mr. Bolton told council members.

He also noted that under the terms of the resolution, the new government could act on its own at any time.

The resolution had its origins in a request of the Security Council from Ibrahim al-Jaafari, the Iraqi prime minister. In a letter on Oct. 27, he said Iraq needed the continued support of the multinational force because its own forces were not yet ready to take on the responsibility of establishing "lasting peace and security."

In a letter two days later, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told the Security Council that the United States was committed to helping Iraq achieve that capability. Both letters were annexed to the resolution.

By Warren Hoge
New York Times