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.