10 October 2002 

Excellency,

On behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, I have the honour to refer to the letter dated 3 October 2002 (S/2002/1108) in which we emphasized the urgent need for a peaceful solution to the issue of Iraq in a way that preserves the authority and credibility of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, as well as peace and stability in the region.  

The Non-Aligned Movement notes that consultations are currently underway in the Security Council, particularly among the five Permanent Members, on a possible new resolution on Iraq. We believe that the proposed elements of such a resolution include issues that are of importance to the entire Membership of the United Nations and the future role of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security. All Member States and Permanent Observers of the United Nations should be afforded an opportunity to express their views on these important developments that directly affect the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.  

Following consultations, the Non-Aligned Movement believes that it would be imperative for the Security Council to hear the views of the wider United Nations Membership before it adopts such an important resolution.  

We therefore have the honour to request the Security Council to convene an emergency open debate on the situation in Iraq.

I should be grateful if you would have the present letter circulated as a document of the Security Council.  

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. 

Dumisani S. Kumalo 

Ambassador and Permanent Representative

His Excellency Ambassador M. Belinga-Eboutou

President of the United Nations Security Council 

New York