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UN to hold new public session on Iraq
United Nations, Mar 11: The Security Council agreed to hold a third open session to allow all UN member states to air their views on Iraq, as opposition hardened to disarming that country by force.
United Nations, Mar 11: The Security Council agreed to hold a third open session to allow all UN member states to air their views on Iraq, as opposition hardened to disarming that country by force.
The meeting, to be held at the level of ambassadors to
the United Nations, will start at 3:00 PM (0130 IST) tomorrow,
the UN spokesman's office said.
Diplomats said it was expected to last two days.
In each of two previous such meetings -- held October 16-17 and February 18-19 -- more than 60 countries, almost a third of the UN membership, took the floor, the vast majority arguing against military action.
This month's council president, Mamady Traore of Guinea, told reporters earlier that the purpose of the public session was "to allow all UN member states to express their views."
Rule 37 of the council's rules of procedure says countries which do not hold council seats may be invited to participate in discussions, without the right to vote.
The first full open council on Iraq took place on October 16 and 17. About 60 countries took part, most of them urging the United States and Britain to give arms inspections a chance before threatening to attack.
Three weeks later, on November 8, the council unanimously adopted Resolution 1441, which demanded that Iraq make full and honest disclosure of its weapons of mass destruction and that it cooperate fully with the inspectors.
On February 18 and 19, the council held another full open session, where most of the 63 speakers called for inspections to continue, despite US claims that Iraq had failed both tests in Resolution 1441. Bureau Report
Diplomats said it was expected to last two days.
In each of two previous such meetings -- held October 16-17 and February 18-19 -- more than 60 countries, almost a third of the UN membership, took the floor, the vast majority arguing against military action.
This month's council president, Mamady Traore of Guinea, told reporters earlier that the purpose of the public session was "to allow all UN member states to express their views."
Rule 37 of the council's rules of procedure says countries which do not hold council seats may be invited to participate in discussions, without the right to vote.
The first full open council on Iraq took place on October 16 and 17. About 60 countries took part, most of them urging the United States and Britain to give arms inspections a chance before threatening to attack.
Three weeks later, on November 8, the council unanimously adopted Resolution 1441, which demanded that Iraq make full and honest disclosure of its weapons of mass destruction and that it cooperate fully with the inspectors.
On February 18 and 19, the council held another full open session, where most of the 63 speakers called for inspections to continue, despite US claims that Iraq had failed both tests in Resolution 1441. Bureau Report