The Hindu : Arabs not to move motion at U.N.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 01, 2002

International

International

Arabs not to move motion at U.N.

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

United Nations FEB. 28. At least for the time being Arab nations are not pursuing a Resolution on the ongoing crisis in West Asia. It is believed that the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, has told his delegation not to pursue a Security Council Resolution on the subject. And for all practical purposes much would hinge on how the Palestinians wish to go about.

One reason for the stance of the Arab delegates vis-a-vis a Council Resolution may have to do with the upcoming meeting of the Arab League in Beirut; and the subject could be taken up afresh once after the meeting is over. Another is the recently-floated proposal by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah, calling for Israel's return to pre-1967 borders in return for full Arab diplomatic recognition. The Saudi proposal, which has seen positive statements from Mr. Arafat and some enthusiasm from the U.S. President, George W. Bush, does not seem to have the backing of all Arab nations. And the impression here is that the full backing from the Arab League countries may be difficult given the range of opinions that exist on the West Asia peace.

For instance, Syria has taken the position here that what is called for at this juncture is political will on the part of Israel, not more initiatives. At the United Nations, Arab countries appeared to give the impression that they did not wish to pre-empt what was going to take place at the Arab League meeting. There is no question of the fact that the Arab nations are trying to get a Security Council Resolution on West Asia in a manner that will not attract a veto by the U.S. The Bush administration has not threatened a veto, but it is obvious that any harsh condemnation of Israel will not be approved by the U.S. In fact, the top American diplomat at the world body has argued that the Security Council cannot solve the issues between the Israelis and Palestinians. And the British have made it known that if the Council has to act effectively, it must "speak unanimously''.

Meanwhile, in an interview to The New York Times, Mr. Arafat, in praising the Saudi peace proposal as a "very strong platform'' for a comprehensive West Asia peace, has called for a "very quick push from outside''. He maintained that the Saudi plan needed the endorsement of Europe, Russia and the U.S.

PTI reports:

Saudi Arabia surprised world community by launching a blistering attack on Israel charging it with ``systematic terrorism'' despite Riyadh's peace plan for West Asia, unveiled recently.

Addressing the U.N. Security Council here last night, the Saudi Ambassador, Fawzi bin Abdul Majeed Shobokshi, accused Israel of the ``worst forms'' of pressure, persecution, racism and occupation. He said Israel was indulging in ``systematic terrorism,'' and was defying the most fundamental human rights as also international opinion.

The speech drew sharp reaction from Israelis, who said it was confrontational and said it did not contribute to the cooling of passions. He justified Palestinian actions since September 2000, when the latest round of violence broke out, saying it was resistance to occupation and a counter to Israeli ``violence.''

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

Stories in this Section

Pak. denies hand in train attack

U.S. backing crucial to Saudi plan: Arafat

Arabs not to move motion at U.N.

NATO extends hand of friendship to Russia

Soldiers not trapped, says Israel

Alice Keys crowned queen at Grammys

Russia against U.S. role in Georgia

Pak. to consider extradition of Omar Sheikh

$5 m. reward for clue

Musharraf seeks support on stand-off with India

Ravi Shankar wins Grammy