United Nations ? The Security Council approved a resolution Thursday welcoming the Iraqi Governing Council and created a mission to oversee U.N. efforts to help rebuild the country and establish a democratic government.

The vote was 14-0 with Syria abstaining because of its opposition to any endorsement of the 25-member Iraqi council, which was appointed by the United States.

Nearly five months after the deeply divided Security Council refused to authorize the U.S.-led war on Iraq, the occupation of the country by the United States and Britain remains a sensitive issue, especially for Arab nations.

The Arab League declared on Aug. 4 that its members — which include Syria — would not recognize the Governing Council and would wait instead until Iraq is led by an elected government.

But approval of the U.S.-drafted resolution showed a broad acceptance of the Governing Council as a transitional body.