Ahmadinejad takes center stage [View All]

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NEW YORK - "If the governments of the United States or the United Kingdom, who are permanent members of the Security Council, commit aggression, occupation and violation of international law, which of the organs of the United Nations can take them to account?"

The question came from Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad during his speech to the world body's General Assembly on Tuesday. Instead of merely defending his nation's nuclear program, which the United States and its European allies suspect is aimed at building weapons, he questioned the very legitimacy of the 15-member Security Council itself.

"Can the council in which they are privileged members address their violations? Has this ever happened?" he asked. "If they have differences with a nation or state, they drag it to the Security Council as claimants, arrogate to themselves simultaneously the roles of prosecutor, judge and executioners. Is this a just order?"

Though the Iranian leader's questions about the nature of international decision-making mechanisms are not new, they certainly represent the views and aspirations of the vast majority of the 192-member UN General Assembly that does not enjoy the privilege of implementing its decisions, as do the members of the Security Council.

Asia Times