NYT.....Washington and its allies face staunch opposition on the Security Council from China, France, Germany, Russia and Syria. The six swing votes — Angola, Cameroon, Chile, Guinea, Mexico and Pakistan — remain undecided, though Pakistan and Mexico are seen as possibly moving into the American camp. Nine of the council's 15 members must approve a resolution for it to pass, but the United States, China, France, Russia and Britain each have veto power as permanent members of the Security Council.
The Los Angeles Times reported today that Pakistan had told Washington that it would back the draft resolution. "We are very good allies of the United States and value our relationship and want to see that blossom," The Times quoted a senior Pakistani official as saying. "The issue of Iraq will not become a problem between us."
Pakistan supported the United States-led invasion of Afghanistan after the 9/11 terror attacks, and obtaining Islamabad's support against Iraq may gain credibility among Islamic nations for the American effort on Iraq. Nonetheless, there is some talk at the United Nations that Pakistan, rather than vote for the draft resolution, may simply choose to abstain in a vote, which is expected within a few weeks. |
