Revised US resolution is "humiliation" for UN: Iraqi FM
( 2002-10-24 16:02 ) (7 )

Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri described a revised US draft resolution for disarming Iraq as a "humiliation" for the United Nations, and a declaration of war against the world body and Baghdad.

"The revised US draft, which is worse (than the initial one), is a humiliation for the United Nations and the international community," Sabri told Qatar's Al-Jazeera television channel.

"The draft is a declaration of war against the United Nations, and not only against Iraq. Its goal consists not only of attacking Iraq but also harming the prestige of the United Nations," Sabri said.

On Wednesday, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council -- gathering China, France and the United States along with Britain and Russia -- met for three hours to discuss the latest US-backed resolution.

Washington is pressuring the global body to act quickly on disarming Iraq, which the United States accuses of stockpiling and developing weapons of mass destruction.

France and Russia have criticised the US-crafted measure, which calls for tough new weapons inspections and dire consequences for Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein if he fails to comply.

Britain has broadly backed Washington, and only China's opinion among the states with veto power on the council remains a mystery.