UN resolution offers hope to Iraqi people

The unanimous adoption by the United Nations Security Council of a new resolution on Iraq will not provide a magic solution to the country's many problems. No resolution could.

But the agreement reached by the 15-member states after weeks of intense negotiations marks a crucial - and most welcome - turning point. It gives the long-suffering people of Iraq a rare glimmer of hope after decades of dictatorship and more than a year of war and occupation.

The vote is significant for several different, but related, reasons. It means the new interim Iraqi government, due to take power on June 30, is recognised by the international community. This provides it with a level of legitimacy that the US-led coalition always lacked.

Concessions made by the US and Britain during the negotiations make it clear that the government will enjoy something approaching - if not quite reaching - full sovereignty. This is of the utmost importance if the Iraqi people are to believe that the occupation of their country genuinely is being brought to an end.

The security council's seal of approval will also pave the way for greater international involvement in the rebuilding process, from the provision of peacekeeping troops to stepping up humanitarian aid. Already, Nato and the European Union have reacted positively to the vote.

Most important of all is the simple fact that after more than a year of deep divisions over the US-led occupation, an agreement has been reached. The United Nations, torn apart by disagreements over the invasion, is back. And it is set to play a key role in the future of Iraq.

US President George W. Bush has described the vote as a victory for the Iraqi people. It remains to be seen if that is the case. The decision is, however, a victory for dialogue and diplomacy - on all sides.