[lbo-talk] Syria seeks UN resolution on nuclear-free Middle East

[uvj at vsnl.com]

HindustanTimes.com

Tuesday, December 30, 2003

Syria seeks UN resolution on nuclear-free Middle East

Press Trust of India
United Nations, December 30

In a move apparently aimed at Israel, Syria has asked the UN Security
Council to adopt a resolution to make Middle East a nuclear weapon-free
zone.

It urged the countries in the region to adopt a convention which would ban
production, development and stockpiling of nuclear, chemical and biological
weapons.

However, the Syrian move, which came in the wake of decision of Iran and
Libya to allow UN inspectors to check their nuclear facilities, stands
little chance of being adopted as several members, including Pakistan, have
reservations.

Israel has never either admitted or denied possessing nuclear weapons but is
perceived by the countries in the region to have such arms. The
International Atomic Energy Agency also says it is proceeding on the
assumption that Israel has nuclear capability.

Diplomats said that in closed-door consultation on Monday, not more than six
of the 15 members expressed support. A resolution required nine votes to be
adopted.

The US, Britain, France, Germany and Bulgaria, besides Pakistan, expressed
their reservations, diplomats said. Syrian Ambassador Fayssal Mekdad agreed
that he was three short of nine votes needed.

Syria, the only Arab member of the Security Council, said that the Council
should ask Israel to eliminate its weapons of mass destruction.

American officials say that they would like to see the region nuclear
weapons free but saw an attempt to score a political point in the
resolution.

© Hindustan Times Ltd. 2003.