The UN security council today overwhelmingly approved a resolution which backs the US-led administration of Iraq and lifts economic sanctions against the country.

The member states voted 14-0 in favour of the resolution. Syria's representatives did not show up for today's vote.

After last night's joint announcement that France, Russia and Germany, who opposed the recent war, would back the resolution rather than abstain, only Syria's vote remained in doubt.

The final resolution represents a compromise, but leaves the underlying goal of the United States and its allies intact: Washington and London, as occupying powers, remain firmly in control of Iraq and its oil wealth "until an internationally recognised, representative government is established".