United Nations, Apr 02: After failing to get the UN Security Council to condemn the US-led war in Iraq, Arab and Islamic nations are now canvassing support for a general assembly session to discuss the issue and pass a resolution calling for withdrawal of coalition troops. So far, however, the assembly president has not received any application from the 22-member Arab group or the 57-member organisation of Islamic Conference group to call an emergency session.
The Arab group decided to call a session of the 191-member general assembly on Monday after its chairman, Iraq's ambassador to the UN Mohammed al-Douri, met secretary general Kofi Annan.
Talking to reporters later, Annan said there was "lots of unhappiness" in the United Nations about the American-led military action. The Arabs would like to see a greater UN role to bring about the end of war, he added.
The Arabs have a much better chance of getting a resolution through in the assembly as there are no vetoes but diplomats say the Arabs would press for the session only if they are sure that their resolution can be adopted by an overwhelming majority.
Though the assembly resolutions - unlike those of the security council - are not binding, a general session would provide a forum for members to criticise the US-led action and a resolution to this effect would be an embarrassment for Washington.
Diplomats said the US is working hard, both at the United Nations and in various national capitals, to prevent the assembly from holding a session, arguing that no useful purpose would be served. Bureau Report