Russian diplomatic official signals compromise on U-N resolution
United Nations-AP -- Russia is signaling a willingness to compromise on handing over power in Iraq -- but it still insists on a greater political role for the U-N. Russia's deputy foreign minister was asked if he supports Secretary of State Colin Powell's timeline for returning power to Iraqis.
Powell last week proposed a timeline that has Iraqis adopting a constitution in six months and holding elections in perhaps a year.
The Russian official says only that his government wants a "realistic but short" timeline. The official also says his government believes the sooner Iraqis run their own country, the better. He also says Russia will support a stage-by-stage transition if the United Nations oversees it.
But Secretary of State Colin Powell has made it clear that the U-S will not relinquish power until Iraqis elect a new government.
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