Annan raises possibility of summit of world leaders on Iraq

economictimes.indiatimes.com PTI[ FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2003 12:21:02 PM ]

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has raised the possibility of a summit of interested world leaders on Iraq "to get us out of this crisis" while continuing his efforts to keep the Security Council members united over the issue.

Annan on Thursday welcomed the idea of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for a summit of interested world leaders, not necessarily members of the Council.

But media reports suggest that the US is not enthusiastic and is unlikely to support the idea with diplomats saying it is too late for any summit to make a difference. Besides, there might not be enough time left for such a meeting and it is better not to have it than having a futile one, they say.

However, Annan continued his efforts to bring unity among the members to save the Council from becoming ineffective in a crisis situation and held one-on-one meetings with ambassadors of all 15 member countries. But diplomats doubted it would have any effect on the course of events.

Annan made yet another appeal for united Security Council action in ridding Iraq of Weapons of Mass Destruction as the Council continued to wrestle whether to give UN inspectors more time or to declare Baghdad in default by next Monday.

"I think what is important is that governments have to find a way of working together," Annan told reporters.

"Regardless of how this crisis or the current issue is resolved, the Council will have to work together, and the member states will have to work together to deal with the situation in Iraq, in Middle East and on many other issues."

Annan said he spoke to British Premier Tony Blair on Monday and he seemed "very genuinely looking" for a compromise and a way forward.