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CNN Sunday Morning
U.N. General Assembly to Hold Annual Debate
Aired November 11, 2001 - 07:11 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN ANCHOR: At the United Nations, presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers are all focusing on developments in the war against terrorism. Leaders are watching opposition advances closely and making plans for humanitarian aid.
Senior U.N. correspondent Richard Roth, also host of CNN's "DIPLOMATIC LICENSE" has that part of the story -- Richard.
RICHARD ROTH, SENIOR U.N. CORRESPONDENT: Thank you, Jeanne.
Yes, about 50 presidents, prime ministers, heads of state, heads of government are here at this delayed General Assembly annual debate. Delayed because of the terrorism attacks of September 11. This will be day two today, and there will be more than just speeches, of course.
On Saturday, on opening day, there were toasts at a luncheon. Heads of state gathered and all surrounding President George W. Bush. It was his first appearance here on the world stage.
There's Yasser Arafat. He still is not obtained his personal meeting with George Bush though. The two men just sat two tables away.
Pakistan's president, also the man in the limelight.
During the General Assembly debate, there were a lot of differences over how the war should be fought though there was still agreement with President Bush to crack down on terrorism. Many countries said the air campaign shouldn't be the only way. From Brazil to Qatar to the Pakistanis, all said the root causes of terrorism should be examined. Iranian president Mohammed Khatami said violence can't be justified to counter terrorism.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MOHAMMAD KHATAMI, PRESIDENT OF IRAN (through translator): The ongoing military operation in Afghanistan cannot address the root causes of the kind of terrorism that has forced itself on the defenseless people of Afghanistan, parallel to the destruction and casualties that it inflicts.
On the contrary, it is more likely that the continuation of the current military approach could insight sentiments that intensify intolerance and violence in the region and the whole world.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ROTH: U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan says he's heartened by the fact that more than 50 countries have come here to sign some of the major terrorism treaties that the United Nations has had on the books for several years. Right now, the General Assembly is spending many hours, in the last few weeks, trying to put all these treaties together to come up with one or two main, counterterrorism conventions and treaties so the people know exactly what the goals are.
Also, in the hallways, in the back meeting rooms, the so-called "Six Plus Two" committee met. This is the U.S., Russia and the key countries surrounding Afghanistan that have been trying to put a broad-base government in place there for several years. They issued a statement, urging all parties to observe humanitarian and international human rights law in Mazar-e-Sharif and throughout the country. And they welcome the reported issuance of a general amnesty there -- Jeanne.
MESERVE: Richard, you mentioned Yasser Arafat and I wondered if, with all these heads of states there, there has been much discussion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
ROTH: Not yet. That'll be a big topic today though, not necessarily in the speeches. Though several countries did point out, especially those in the Persian Gulf region, that there is an issue that's still to be settled involving festering anger in the Palestinians, the lack of a state there. President Bush mentioned that there should be two states eventually there.
Israel was not in the General Assembly session due to the Sabbath. So thus, there was an empty seat seen.
Chairman Arafat, of the Palestinians, speech later today. Shimon Peres, Israel's foreign minister, will speak Thursday. Prime Minister Sharon not coming in for weeks. It was thought this could be a forum where Sharon and Arafat could meet. Secretary Powell also will meet with Chairman Arafat today -- Jeanne.
MESERVE: Richard Roth at the United Nations, a busy week ahead for you; thanks.
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