U.S. ‘still seeking peaceful solution’ with Iran

Press, 3 December 1979, Page 8

U.S. ‘still seeking peaceful solution’ with Iran

NZPA-Reuter New York The American Ambassador to the United Nations (Mr Donald McHenry) told the (Security Council that the United States is seeking a peaceful resolution to its I conflict with Iran “so that i the wounds of the past can be healed.” “There is not a single grievance alleged or spoken in this situation that could not be heard in an appropriate forum,” he told the special meeting convened by the Secretary-General (Dr! Kurt Waldheim). However, Mr McHenry re-' peated the American warning that the United States will hold the authorities in Iran fully responsible for the safety of the Americans held captive in Teheran. The debate adjourned until 1.30 p.m. today (N.Z. time) after two hours of discussion yesterday. Diplomats at the United .Nations said they doubted' ithat any resolution regarding the hostages would result from the emergency jmeeting. In fact, it seemed (unlikely that the Security ' Council, whose authority exceeds that of any other United Nations organisation, [would take ar. action at all. A number of the Security (Council members, including France, purchase large quantities of Iranian oil, and this, ; among other considerations, [is reported to have softened I the position of a number of nations. Mr McHenry yesterday 'spoke of "the seething anger which Americans properly I feel as they witness on daily ■ tr’--ision new threats and ‘outrages against their fellow .[citizens.” He did not define “approjpriate forum.” A United [States mission official would 'not clarify whether it emibraced the idea of a commisilsion of inquiry of the Security Council. i The ambassador insisted ■ that the hostages be freed ! before discussions could : begin with the Iranian ; authorities on differences be- ; tween the United States and Iran.