More than 135 countries demand end to Iraq war
More than 20 Arab countries and 115 other nations have demanded an end to the US-led war against Iraq.
They have called on the United Nations Security Council to break its silence and find a way to return to peaceful methods for disarming Saddam Hussein.
Secretary General Kofi Annan opened the security council meeting by expressing regret efforts to avert war had failed.
He said the warring parties must now ensure the protection of civilians, those injured in the conflict, and prisoners of war, as well the safe distribution of vital humanitarian aid.
"The inability of the council to agree earlier on a collective course of action places an even greater burden on you today.
"We all want to see this war brought to an end as soon as possible," he said. "But while it continues it is essential that everything be done to protect the civilian population, as well as the wounded and the prisoners of war on both sides, and to bring relief to the victims."
