Libya Questions Wording Of UN Measure (Oops)

AP/Yahoo ^ | 12-22-2003 | Edith M Lederer

[blam]

Libya Questions Wording of U.N. Measure

By EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press Writer

UNITED NATIONS - Libya took issue on Monday with a proposed Security Council statement on the elimination of its weapons of mass destruction programs.

AP Photo

The council delayed issuing the statement because of the Libyan concern over a reference to verification and the desire of a number of council nations to consult their capitals. But if none of the 15 council nations object to the draft by noon Tuesday, it will be issued by the council.

Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi announced last Friday that Libya would scrap efforts to build nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and the means to deliver them.

Following up, Libya has agreed to submit to U.N. weapons inspectors and to provide full details of programs to develop nuclear and chemical weapons that were more advanced than suspected by the United States and Britain.

The council's draft press statement would warmly welcome Libya's announcement and applaud "Libya's recognition of the strength of the concerns of the international community over weapons of mass destruction proliferation and its voluntary decision to address those concerns."

The draft says the council looks forward "to the early implementation of all the commitments made in the announcement."

"In this context, council members welcomed and encouraged the development of Libya's cooperation with others, including the relevant U.N. and other international bodies, to ensure the verified elimination of all Libya's weapons of mass destruction programs," the draft said.

Syria's U.N. Ambassador Fayssal Mekdad, the only Arab representative on the council, said he told members that Libya wanted to eliminate the phrase "to ensure the verified elimination of all Libya's weapons of mass destruction programs."

Asked why the Libyans wanted the phrase taken out, Mekdad said, "I really don't know. It might be because they will do it — why ... have it in a statement?"

But one council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the reference to verification was the heart of the Libyan announcement and must be included.

"It's important to trust, but to verify," the diplomat said.

The council statement would also state that Libya's action could become a model for other countries to reverse weapons proliferation and offer members' help to assist in disarmament efforts.

[witnesstothefall]

Posted another version 1 second after you posted this.

[lainde]

Maybe he needs a visit to the Texas ranch for some plain English. After all if we could have the murderous Saudis at the ranch, stylin' Mommar might be able to get some critical coaching on what's expected of him. The chaotic UN will do nothing but muddle his brain and muddy the waters.

[MJY1288]

The UN's statement on this matter is not worth the paper it's printed on. They were kept out of these negotiations for a good reason, and those boot licking, Dictator worshiping losers at the U.N. should stick to what they do best.......... Running for cover at the first sign of violence

[blam]

No Problem, we'll just link them.

Libya Objects To Wording Of UN Security Council Statement On Disarmament