UNITED NATIONS, June 8 (Xinhuanet) -- US Ambassador to the United Nations John Negroponte said Tuesday that the new UN resolution onIraq represents an important milestone in Iraq's political process.

    "With today's vote, we acknowledge an important milestone. By June 30, Iraq will reassert its sovereignty, a step forward on thepath towards a democratically elected government," said Negroponte.

    Earlier Tuesday, the UN Security Council unanimously passed a resolution sponsored by the United States and Britain to transfer power to the interim Iraqi government on June 30.

    The resolution authorizes the US-led occupation authorities to remain in Iraq to help keep security but gives the Iraqi government the right to ask the multinational forces to leave at any time.

    The unanimous adoption of Resolution 1546 demonstrates broad international support for a "federal democratic, pluralist and unified Iraq in which there is full respect for political and human rights," said the ambassador.

    The resolution defines the key political tasks in which the United Nations shall play a leading and vital role to support Iraqi efforts, he said.

    "This resolution makes clear that Iraq's sovereignty will be undiluted, and that the government of Iraq will have the sovereignauthority to request and to decline assistance, including in the security sector," he said.

    Negroponte also called on UN member states not to delay in matching advice with concrete assistance, saying international assistance can and should enhance the prospects of the Iraqi people for success.

    "The constructive dialogue through which this text developed, which led to the council's unanimous vote today, should mark strengthened international resolve to work together for a democratic, secure and prosperous Iraq, and for the lasting and permanent benefit of its people," he added.

    Negroponte has been named as the new US ambassador to Iraq and will take up his post soon. Enditem