United Nations ? The United States rejected a proposal Tuesday by France, Russia and Germany to add a timetable for the transfer of power to Iraqis to its new resolution and give Secretary-General Kofi Annan a role in its preparation.

The absence of a timetable diminished the likelihood that the resolution will be adopted with broad support from the 15-member Security Council. But it is still likely to get at least the minimum nine “yes” votes needed for adoption. A vote could come early as this afternoon.

The timetable was the centerpiece of a package of amendments offered by France, Russia and Germany — and later supported by China — in an effort to reach a compromise with the United States on the transition from U.S. occupation to the restoration of Iraqi sovereignty.

While the United States agreed to several other amendments proposed by the three countries at a closed-door Security Council meeting Tuesday night, French, Russian and German diplomats privately expressed disappointment at the rejection of the timetable.