The council issued a statement Wednesday after a briefing by UN envoy Ad Melkert who said the five-month delay in forming a government is creating uncertainy in the country and conditions that could be exploited by opponents of Iraq's transition to democracy.

Melkert said the main political blocs have been discussing possible power sharing arrangements, which he called an encouraging sign.

He also said the planned withdrawal of all US combat troops by the end of the month is starting to impact UN operations.