Approval of the U.S.-drafted Resolution 1500 demonstrated a broad acceptance of Iraq's Governing Council as a transitional body. The resolution welcomed the council "as an important step towards the formation by the people of Iraq of an internationally recognized, representative government" with sovereignty in Iraq. Syria is the one Security Council member that did not endorse the message, keeping in line with its allies in the Arab League who declared on Aug. 4, 2003, that its members would not recognize the Governing Council and would wait instead until Iraq is led by an elected government. The United Nations has also approved agreements for various rebuilding programs. Among them: A $72.3 million project to print more than 66 million copies of newly edited textbooks for nationwide distribution for the 2003-2004 academic year. A $104 million project for fertilizer for Iraq's winter wheat and barley crops. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is helping to improve vital services in villages where Arabs refugees have returned.