Riyadh resolution condemns Iranians' plot

U.N.

UNITED NATIONS – The Obama administration has moved its
confrontation with the leadership of Iran to the floor of the U.N.
General Assembly.

Earlier this week, Washington decided to press its grievances against the Islamic leadership on the diplomatic front, at least for now.

Saudi Arabia, a nation noted for its
almost invisible presence at the U.N., moved out of the traditional
shadows and submitted a draft resolution condemning Iran for its
alleged plot to kill the Saudi ambassador to Washington.

The resolution, while sponsored by Riyadh, had no
co-sponsors and most diplomats in New York have no doubt that
Washington was the force behind the move.

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While not confirming that, the State Department would not deny its partnership in drafting the General Assembly resolution.

Using strong language such as "deplores" and "condemns," the Saudi
draft stops just short of recommending actions such as economic or
military sanctions, a move normally reserved for the Security Council.

Most diplomats see the Saudi move as a precursor to more serious
actions in the council if Iran does not modify its behavior.

A vote on the Saudi draft is expected on Friday and it is likely to be adopted.

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Anticipating a political slap, Iran was not silent.

Tehran's U.N. Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee sent a strongly worded
letter of complaint to General Assembly President Nassir Abdulaziz
Al-Nasser of Qatar, a copy of which was provided to WND.

While the draft resolution only lists Saudi Arabia as its sponsor, the Iranian letter refers to the document as in reality a "U.S. proposal."

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Tehran's representative called the allegations of an assassination
plot "hypothetical, circumstantial and unsubstantiated."

He explained that the "United States attitude to the alleged plot
began with an explosive media campaign against Iran ... Its
long-standing hostile policy is nonconstructive and reveals once again
ill intentions."

Not surprisingly, Iranians rejected Washington's claims
concerning Tehran's involvement in any assassination
plot:

"My government categorically rejects the involvement of any of its
officials or organs in the alleged plot against the ambassador of the
kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Washington as it had been claimed."

The ambassador closed his letter with a warning:

"Member states should be cautious about the adverse consequences of
such a move, which is in contradiction to the spirit and letter of the charter of the United Nations."

A visiting Iranian official, Mohammad Javad Larijani, who heads Iran's High Council for Human Rights, told reporters in New York:

"American policy in the region is falling apart, it is witnessing
drastic failures, especially in Afghanistan."

Larijani also cautioned Washington against trying to exploit the
growing unrest in Syria:

"Any incitement to violence by the United States and Western countries and regional countries to export and send armed groups inside Syria or to recommend that people use guns in the uprising is very dangerous."

Mark Kornblau, spokesman for U.S./U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice, refused any comment on the Iranian accusations or the Saudi Arabian draft resolution.

The State Department also refused any reaction.