A Syrian proposal that the UN Security Council force Israel into accepting the investigative mission to Jenin was withdrawn before it could be voted on. Thanks, in part, to US efforts, the minimal required support of nine Council member states refused to support it. Instead, the Security Council is likely to accept a U.S. proposal expressing \"sorrow\" over Israel\'s rejection of the UN fact-finding mission to Jenin. The proposal contains no operative provisions.
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan announced last night his intent to call off the planned fact-finding mission regarding the Jenin battles, in light of the Israeli decision not to cooperate with the delegation in the present circumstances. Israel expressed six reservations about the mandate and composition of the delegation, including the Israeli insistence that testimony must not be taken from individual soldiers. Anan sent a letter informing the 15 permanent members of the Security Council of his decision, and the team members waiting in Geneva were instructed to return home.
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan announced last night his intent to call off the planned fact-finding mission regarding the Jenin battles, in light of the Israeli decision not to cooperate with the delegation in the present circumstances. Israel expressed six reservations about the mandate and composition of the delegation, including the Israeli insistence that testimony must not be taken from individual soldiers. Anan sent a letter informing the 15 permanent members of the Security Council of his decision, and the team members waiting in Geneva were instructed to return home.