Japan Ups Diplomatic Pressure on Mexico
The Associated Press
Tuesday, March 11, 2003; 9:43 AM
Japan upped diplomatic pressure on Mexico Tuesday to help push through a
U.S.-backed war resolution, as it tries to pull in key votes on the U.N.
Security Council.
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi urged the adoption of a March 17 ultimatum
for Iraq to disarm or face war, telling Mexican President Vicente Fox that
international divisions were putting the United Nations authority at stake,
according to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry here.
"If the international community is divided, it will not only benefit Iraq
but also bring into grave doubt the United Nations' authority and its
practicality," he told Fox in a phone call Tuesday.
Fox - who has been seeking a last-minute compromise among the sharply
divided council - acknowledged the importance of a unified message but
refused to take sides.
"Mexico is taking an independent position and is not leaning to either
side," Fox said.
The U.N. Security Council remains bitterly divided over the newly revised
draft resolution that would set the ultimatum. It is co-sponsored by the
United States, Britain and Spain - and strongly opposed by France, Russia,
China and Germany.
Washington had wanted a vote as early as Tuesday, but with France and
Russia threatening to veto the current draft resolution, and without the
minimum nine "yes" votes, it held up action in the council.
Though Japan does not currently hold a seat on the 15-member council, it
has joined the intense lobbying behind the scenes after declaring its
support Saturday for the ultimatum.
Koizumi also met with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Solomon Passy visiting in
Tokyo Tuesday to restate their mutual support for the U.S.-back position.
Tokyo has contacted council members, including undecided Pakistan, Chile,
Mexico, Guinea, Cameroon, with phone calls in the past 24 hours.
© 2003 The Associated Press
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