Response is positive on blueprint for iraq

UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- Security Council nations gave a generally positive response to the U.S.-British blueprint for a post-occupation Iraqi government, but several demanded greater Iraqi control over security and the U.S.-led multinational force that will try to restore stability.
The introduction of a draft resolution Monday by Iraq's occupying powers set the stage for intense negotiations with longtime critics of the war, such as France and Germany, who are demanding that Iraq's interim government be the key decision-maker on security issues.
In Berlin today, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer called the U.S.-British plan a "very good foundation" for efforts to reach a consensus at the United Nations.
France wants a say
In Paris, French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said the draft resolution "needs improvements" and France hopes to have a say in new talks over Iraqi sovereignty. He declined to elaborate.
France led the opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq, insisting that military intervention needed U.N. backing to be legitimate.
The United States and Britain unveiled the long-awaited plan hours before President Bush said in a nationally televised address that American forces would stay in Iraq until it was free and democratic.
The resolution is an attempt by the Bush administration to win international backing for the post-occupation plans in Iraq, which have been severely shaken by violence. With his approval ratings sinking after repeated setbacks in Iraq, Bush is also seeking to rebuild support at home.
Under the resolution, the multinational force would be authorized to take "all necessary measures" to maintain security and prevent terrorism, but no mention is made of the Iraqi army -- except the need for training.