Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam addressed the Conference of Non-Aligned Countries, expressing his country’s inability to support the resolution proposed by the United States and Britain in the Security Council against Iraq. As the only Arab member of the UN Security Council, Syria announced that it would vote against the new resolution on Iraq.
During the Non-Aligned Summit in Malaysia, Khaddam reiterated Syria’s stance, stating that if a war were to occur, it would have repercussions that differ from the objectives sought by the United States. In an interview with Reuters at the summit, he emphasized that there is no justification for proposing a draft resolution when the inspectors are effectively carrying out their responsibilities under Resolution 1441.
Khaddam further criticized the United States, claiming that its policies have alienated people worldwide and that a strategy based on force can only lead to destruction and loss of life, rather than establishing security. He cautioned those advocating for war to study history carefully, as a powerful military force is destined to face defeat.
The Syrian Vice President asserted that the true objective of the war is to reshape interests in the Middle East to serve American interests. He stressed the gravity of this matter, as it poses a threat to the sovereignty and independence of UN member states. Khaddam called upon those pushing for war to instead pursue peace and dialogue, warning of the potential rise of extremism resulting from a war on Iraq.
Furthermore, on another note, IAEA spokeswoman Melissa Fleming announced that the director of the agency, Mohamed ElBaradei, will submit his report on Iraq to the Security Council on March 7, earlier than previously anticipated. ElBaradei’s report was initially expected to be presented after April 11, a date speculated by analysts as the potential start of a war
