WASHINGTON, March 15 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States said Monday that it is possible to consider the adoption of a new United Nations Security Council resolution to accommodate request by Spain for a UN mandate to maintain its troops in Iraq although such mandate is already available.

    "It has been said that there needs to be a UN mandate for those troops. We believe there is such a mandate in (UN Security Councilresolution) 1511," State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said at anews briefing.

    "At same time, we've also said that in the context of a transfer of sovereignty (to Iraqis) on June 30, a new resolution is possible," he said.

    Ereli made the remarks after Rodriguez Zapatero, prime minister-elect of Spain, vowed earlier Monday to withdraw Spanish troops from Iraq by June 30.

    But Zapatero also indicated that Spain could maintain its troops in Iraq if there is a UN mandate after June 30, when the US-led coalition occupation authority returns sovereignty to Iraqis.

    Ereli said that despite Zapatero's remarks, it is too early to tell what position the future Spanish government will take on the 1,300-strong Spanish troops deployed in Iraq.

    "As far as the issue of Spanish troops in Iraq goes, let's see what develops," the spokesman said. "The new government is just forming. They're formulating their policies," he added. Enditem