Kuwait, Qatar refuse commitment over their lands not to be used militarily
Iraq-Regional, Politics, 2/22/2003

The delegation representing the Non- Aligned Movement NAL, member states which held yesterday in Malaysia preliminary discussions in preparations for today's meeting of its foreign ministers and the summit to be held on February 24 and 25, attended by 60 leaders, failed to agree on the content of a draft statement condemning the aggression against Iraq. This resolution is proposed by the hosting country and the Arab states, After Singapore and Chile expressed their rejection for the matter.

Meantime, Kuwait and Qatar refused an Iraqi request for the member states on not permitting the US to use their territories as a military base in case a war erupts.

The draft statement stated that the use of force is in contradiction with the world consensus which "rejects categorically the current threats to launch a war." The statement added "we voice our support and solidarity with Iraq in confrontation of war against it and our commitment to use all possible means to reach a peaceful solution." It added "we welcome the decision of the Iraqi government to facilitate the unconditional return back and cooperation with the UN inspectors according to UN resolutions concerned."

Upon his arrival at Kuala Lumpur airport, the Iraqi foreign minister Naji Sabri said replying to a question on Iraq's message to the Non- Aligned conference "we embody the will of the Non Aligned peoples to rejecting the American hegemony and aggression." However, Singapore and Chile, the two non- permanent members at the UN Security Council rejected the draft statement and asked for extra time to discuss it with their countries.

Previous Stories:
  France-Africa summit: here's an alternative to war in Iraq   (2/21/2003)
  Cancellation of the Arab special summit on Iraq   (2/20/2003)
  OIC to meet on February 26th to discuss the Iraqi issue   (2/19/2003)

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