U.S.-led war on Iraq could coause 'complications', says Singapore
U.S.-led war on Iraq could coause 'complications', says Singapore
Agence France-Presse, Singapore
A U.S.-led military strike against Iraq could cause 'complications' for Southeast Asian states with large Muslim populations if the conflict was perceived as a war on Islam, a top Singapore official said.
Foreign Minister S. Jayakumar said in remarks made available Wednesday it was vital for any conflict in the Gulf to be seen in the context of a campaign to disarm Saddam Hussein.
"I think it will be a major complicating factor, particularly if it is seen as an action outside the auspices of the United Nations, and particularly if the presentation is not managed properly," he said in an interview with CNN.
"By that, I mean, if it is presented as a conflict aimed at Muslim population or Muslim people, that will be unfortunate. "It should be presented for what it really is, the issue of weapons of mass destruction and disarmament," he said.
The Singapore foreign ministry released transcripts of the interview ahead of a speech by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell at the UN to rally support for U.S.-led action.
Jayakumar said it was important that the war be presented as an effort to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction. "If it is not, then I think countries that have predominantly Muslim populations would find it a complicating issue," he said.
In Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei are predominantly Muslim states, while Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand have Muslim minorities.
While the region is known for its moderate brand of Islam, there are concerns about the rise of militancy following the arrests of dozens of militants linked to various terrorist plots.
Asked if Singapore supports a unilateral US military strike against Iraq, Jayakumar said: "We would have to see the evidence and the basis for such an action."
Most foreign ministers he had talked to "not only want a (second) resolution by the Security Council, but generally favor any action on Iraq to be under the auspices of the United Nations," Jayakumar added.