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U.N. leader surveys interest in possible special session
April 2, 1997
Web posted at: 8:31 p.m. EST (0131 GMT)UNITED NATIONS (CNN) -- The U.N. Secretary-General has asked member states if they would be willing to hold a special emergency session of the General Assembly, which was requested by Arab nations as Israelis seek to expand West Bank settlements.
If more than half of the 185 United Nations members agree, a rare emergency meeting could be held next week.
The Palestinians sent Secretary-General Kofi Annan a letter as part of the formal procedure for convening such a session.
Palestinian representative Nasser Al-Kidwa said Wednesday that an emergency session is needed to send a strong message to Israel from the international community.
Al-Kidwa wants the Assembly to act under a 1950 resolution that allows members to act whenever the Security Council "fails to assume its" responsibility in keeping world peace and security. The U.S. has twice vetoed a council resolution asking the Israeli government to freeze its construction plans.
Israeli Acting Ambassador David Peleg told reporters Wednesday that any U.N. action would only deepen the polarization between the two sides.
The 1950 resolution says the Assembly can use 'collective measures' to deal with breaches of the peace.
Israel's deputy U.N. Ambassador said the United Nations should not be used as a forum, preferring direct talks between the parties instead.
Related stories:
- Netanyahu, Arafat trade barbs as Mideast tensions mount - April 2, 1997
- 2 dead, 7 wounded in Gaza explosions - April 1, 1997
- Israel defiant over new Arab gesture of isolation - March 31, 1997
Related sites:
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- Model League of Arab States
- State of Israel - Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles
- Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- ArabNet
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