‘Russia, France determined to veto Iraq resolution’

ISLAMABAD: Russia and France are determined to veto the US-sponsored resolution on Iraq in the United Nations Security Council, as they believe that these are “not resolutions but ultimatums”.

The ambassadors of Russia, France, Germany and deputy head of Chinese mission in Islamabad had an interactive meeting here on Tuesday with senior journalists to explain their respective government’s position on continuing US-Iraq standoff. “We are together on this issue to tell the world that there is another position which is against war,” the ambassadors of the four important countries were unanimous to oppose any unilateral US action against Iraq.

They said their countries were against war as it was destructive. “We believe that every issue can be negotiated for a peaceful solution,” the ambassadors said, making clear that they would veto any US-sponsored resolution seeking authority to attack Iraq. The participants supported their concern over the future of the UN if the US, despite the resolution being vetoed, chose to go ahead with its war plans against Iraq. “It will be a blow to the credibility of the UN and damage this institution.”

The ambassadors opined that it was not that Iraq had been doing one hundred per cent on its part; there still was mush to do in this direction. “We are for disarmament. But a unipolar world would be a nightmare.”

Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali’s speech in parliament that Pakistan would not support any military designs against Iraq was felt in the meeting as a surprise in view of Islamabad’s unconditional cooperation with Washington in the past. —Staff Report

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