New Delhi: Voicing India's opposition to a war against Iraq, Prime Minister Atal
Behari Vajpayee on February 18 said the moral authority of the United Nations would
be eroded if it backs any US action.
"Majority of the countries don't want war and those we talked to are also against it.
We have to ensure that United Nations doesn't become ineffective and lose its moral
authority," said Vajpayee.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while referring to the grave Iraqi situation in
his address at a meeting of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) Parliamentary
party.
Briefing reporters about the deliberations of the meeting, party spokesman V K
Malhotra said Vajpayee stressed on the necessity to ensure that the UN does not lose
its influence.
Vajpayee said that in case the US goes ahead with unilateral action against Iraq, it
will be unfortunate for the international community and the UN.
The Prime Minister also said that any UN action of endorsing American strikes against
Iraq may amount to an erosion of the authority of the world body.
PTI
