Silicon Valley: Pakistan has signalled to the United States on its support on a new
UN resolution on disarming Iraq, a media report said on February 27.
"We are very good allies of the United States and value our relationship and want to
see that blossom," the 'Los Angeles Times' reported a senior Pakistani official as
saying. "The issue of Iraq will not become a problem between us."
Islamabad's decision came as Mexico also signalled its likely backing. The US
officials told the 'Times' that other key nations, including Angola and Guinea, were
also inclining to the American side.
"They're sitting on the fence but with both legs on our side of the fence," one
senior diplomat said about Mexico, Angola and Guinea. "But they could always turn
around."
With Bulgaria in the US camp, that could leave the three co-sponsors of the
resolution – the United States, Britain and Spain – just one short of the nine votes
they need to win passage, the paper said.
The United States hopes that building up a bloc of support will put pressure on
France and Russia not to veto the resolution, which would allow the use of force
against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
Pakistan's private signal of potential support could mark a turning point, US
officials told the daily.
Besides adding a critical vote, its decision could prevent any move to create a bloc
among the 10 rotating members of the Council.
PTI
