BAGHDAD, June 7: Iraq's interim government is welcoming a robust US military presence in Iraq after it receives independence on June 30, waiving any formal veto over military operations by the 160,000 foreign troops staying in the country.

Interim prime minister Iyad Allawi and foreign minister Hoshyar Zebari, both longtime, stalwart American allies, made clear last week their wish that US-led multinational forces remain to wipe out Iraq's enemies.

In a letter circulated at the UN Security Council, Iraq declined to protest at Washington's refusal to grant Iraqis a veto over US-led military operations. "Until we are able to provide security for ourselves, including the defence of Iraq's land, sea and air space, we ask for the support of the Security Council and the international community in this endeavour," Mr Allawi wrote, asking them to endorse a continuing US-led troop presence.

US ambassador to the UN, John Negroponte, who will become the head of the new US embassy in Iraq at the end of the month, stressed a veto was not necessary because the sides would be consulting on all facets of operations.

"Veto is not really an appropriate term," Mr Negroponte said. "But will these things be coordinated, will we work hard to ensure the greatest possible harmony on these issues? Yes."

Iraq's former defence minister Ali Allawi said last week the failure to grant a veto could be a "deal breaker", but said he doubted there would be any real divergence between the sides.

The Americans and Iraqis have already put in place the mechanisms to chart military strategy. Iraqi defence ministry officials have been posted with the US Middle East military command based in Qatar and at the national division levels in Iraq.

Iyad Allawi took the helm last week of Iraq's national security committee, formerly chaired by US overseer Paul Bremer, and, in his letter circulated at the UN, invited the US-led forces to have a seat on the committee.

A UN Security Council resolution, possibly to be voted on as early as Tuesday, will legitimize a formal US military presence until the end of next year when the country ratifies its constitution and conducts national elections, according to US Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Looking beyond the resolution, the US government and Iraq still need to negotiate a status of forces agreement, fleshing out the day-to-day rules and guidelines for US-led troops on the ground.

Americans have already outlined some practical measures they deem necessary in defeating the reistance. The CPA said on Sunday it planned to keep holding detainees after June 30 despite the controversy of prisoner abuse at US-run jails in Iraq. -AFP