Finally, the Multinational Force and the combined efforts of the Multinational Force and Iraqi security forces continue to provide a shield for democracy to take shape, evolve and take hold in Iraq.

On 6 September, the Multinational Force handed over security responsibility in Najaf.

Assistance of the multinational force in Iraq in finding those documents is indispensable.

Until then we need the continued presence of the multinational force in Iraq.

The Multinational Force remains committed to staying the course and to ensuring success.

The Multinational Force and the Iraqi Government are developing a conditions based security plan to define the environment necessary for further and greater transfers of responsibility from the Multinational Force to the Iraqi security forces.

The multinational force remains committed to working to create an environment that fosters such progress.

The multinational force has also trained Iraqi engineers to build local capacity to undertake such projects.

Mrs. Patterson (United States of America) Pursuant to Security Council resolution 1546 (2004), I am pleased, on behalf of the multinational force, to report to the Security Council on the efforts of the multinational force and on its progress in fulfilling its mandate.

Noting with appreciation that voluntary contributions have been made to the trust fund for the multinational force,

Noting with appreciation that voluntary contributions have been made to the trust fund for the multinational force,

The Council heard a briefing by the representative of the United States on behalf of the multinational force.

The multinational force comprises 27 countries, in addition to the United States, and has more than 130,000 personnel.

The force is deployed throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, with three regional multinational task forces and headquarters in Sarajevo.

Five hundred and thirty Danish soldiers are currently serving on Iraqi soil as part of the multinational force.

The Government had asked for a 12 month extension for the mandate of the multinational force in Iraq.

During July and August alone, the Multinational Force in the central south sector completed approximately 100 reconstruction projects.

The Council heard a briefing by the representative of the United States on behalf of the multinational force.

Ms. Patterson briefed the Council on the efforts and progress of the Multinational Force in fulfilling its mandate.

As previously reported, the goal of the Multinational Force is to assist Iraqis in providing for their own security.

Some of those forces conduct independent security operations, and others operate alongside or with the support of the multinational force.

The multinational force continues to work arduously to conduct traditional security and stability operations, as well as to recover and destroy munitions and landmines, provide air support, conduct maritime interception operations and protect multinational reconstruction efforts.

But more time and continued support from the multinational force is needed before the Iraqi security forces reach full operational capacity.

Multinational force and Iraqi commanders place a high premium on close cooperation to ensure that their actions are complementary and coordinated.

While the multinational force assists with the provision of security, it also works to increase Iraqi capacity to assume that task.

Even as the Multinational Force helps build and train the Iraqi security forces, Iraqi forces are employed in active combat operations.

On 1 June, the Multinational Force officially transferred full responsibility for security at a base in Dibbis to the Iraqi army.

Turning to progress in training the Iraqi security forces, the Iraqi Government, working with the Multinational Force, has identified a force structure to meet Iraq's needs for internal and external security.

The multinational force continues to disburse funds to build and improve infrastructure, provide for the welfare of the citizens and support education.

The multinational force is committed to staying the course in Iraq and will continue to assist the Iraqi Government in providing security.

Terrorist efforts by the insurgency, as well as spreading death, heartache and misery, will only delay the completion of the Multinational Force mandate.

On 21 August, the Multinational Force turned over Camp Zulu in as Suwayrah, Iraq, in the central south sector, to the Iraqi army.

I wish to reiterate to the Security Council that as long as conditions require it, we need the help of the Multinational Force.

The performance of Iraqi security forces demonstrates growing capability and testifies to the successful continuing cooperation between the Iraqi Government and the multinational force.

Key goals for the multinational force are to develop increasingly capable Iraqi security forces and to transfer more and more security responsibilities to them.

Multinational force units from Georgia and Romania, with United States and United Kingdom support, protect United Nations facilities and staff in Baghdad and Basra.

I am also grateful for the efforts of the Multinational Force and the Iraqi security forces in supporting our activities on a daily basis.

Noted the importance of the commitment by the Multinational Force to act in strict compliance with international humanitarian law, in particular, the Geneva Conventions.

This multinational force, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), was deployed to Kabul in January 2002, under the lead of the United Kingdom, in accordance with Security Council resolution 1386 (2001) of 20 December 2001.

What has changed since the last report is the increasing use of Iraqi security forces for those tasks, supported by the multinational force as required.

The multinational force has also provided local security forces with communication, investigation and facility equipment and has donated equipment and medicine to Iraqi health centres.

At this meeting, the Security Council will hear a briefing by Mrs. Anne Patterson, representative of the United States, on behalf of the multinational force.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks and gratitude to the States participating in the multinational force for their valued contribution.

Speaking on behalf of the Multinational Force, the representative of the United States noted that elections were to be held no later than 31 January 2005.

Accordingly, joint headquarters have been established at the national and provincial levels to coordinate multinational force, Iraqi Ministry of Defence and Iraqi Ministry of Interior operations.