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
