United Nations: The US suffered a major embarrassment in the Security Council when it was forced to withdraw a resolution seeking extension of exemption for American troops from prosecution by International Criminal Court for war crimes as several members, angry over abuse of Iraqi soldiers, refused to support Washington.

"The United States has decided not to proceed further consideration and action on the draft at this time in order to avoid a prolonged and divisive debate," American deputy UN Ambassador James Cunningham said, adding "We are dropping action on this resolution." US had secured special status for US troops for the last two years arguing they could face malicious prosecutions.

It needed nine votes to get the measure through but it could not muster the requisite number despite intense lobbying as most members said they planned to abstain.

It is unclear how many members had promised support but diplomats said resolution would not have got more than five votes including that of the US.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan was among those who had strongly opposed the grant of exemption and advised the council against adopting it. That along with abuse of Iraqi prisoners did damage to the American cause. "For the past two years, I have spoken quite strongly against the exemption and I think It would be unfortunate for one to press for such an exemption, given the prisoner abuse in Iraq....Blanket exemption is wrong. It is of dubious judicial value and I don't think it should be encouraged by the council," he had said earlier this month.