The revised resolution would also give the newly installed interim government control over the Iraqi military and police.

The new draft was meant to meet objections from key Security Council members China, France and Russia, who wanted more specific details about what Iraqi leaders could do when the US-led occupation ends on June 30.

Iraq's foreign minister yesterday faces a UN Security Council divided over how much authority Baghdad should have over US troops when an interim Iraqi government takes office on June 30.

France, Russia and China say an amended draft of a US-British resolution on Iraq's future is still too vague over what sovereignty means after the US-led occupation officially ends. Russia in particular wants to see the reaction of Iraqis to the new government before a vote on the measure.

The original measure had an open-ended mandate for the 160,000-strong US-led multinational force.

But the new text, circulated to Security Council members on Tuesday, said the mandate 'shall expire upon the completion of the political process', which it said would be when a constitutionally elected government took office.

The resolution gave no date for this but diplomats expect it to be in early 2006.

It also said that a transitional government that takes office around January next year could ask for a withdrawal of the troops before the expiry date, but the Council would have to give its approval in another resolution.

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher told reporters in Washington that the new resolution 'makes clear that the objective for Iraqis is to progressively play a greater security role'.

But observers say the new draft remains vague on who has ultimate control over US-led forces. While it states that the multinational force has the authority to take all necessary measures to maintain security, it is silent on whether Iraqis will be able to veto any military operations.