The New York Times

Saturday, March 14, 1998

Senate Urges U.N. to Try Iraqi as a War Criminal

By ERIC SCHMITT

WASHINGTON, March 13 - After weeks of criticizing the United Nations, the Senate voted 93 to 0 today to urge the creation of a United Nations tribunal to try President Saddam Hussein of Iraq as a war criminal.

The largely symbolic resolution passed with no debate after brief discussion on Thursday.

"It is obvious that taking Saddam Hussein into custody is a very complex matter and perhaps impossible without all enormous military force," said Senator Arlen Specter, a Pennsylvania Republican who was the resolution's main sponsor.

Indicting Mr. Hussein, even in absentia, could give the United States "the high moral ground," Mr. Specter said '

The House adopted a similar resolution, 396 to 2, in November.

Congressional Republicans often complain that the United Nations and other international organizations have gone too far in representing United States foreign policy and national security interests.

During the recent crisis with Iraq, senators criticized the deal brokered by the United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, saying it was too favorable to Mr. Hussein. And this week the Senate signaled that it was unlikely to approve nearly $1 billion in back dues that the United States owes the United Nations.

But supporting an indictment of Mr. Hussein - even if it implies support for the United Nations and international tribunals - lets lawmakers win free political points without taking any real political risks.

On its face, the resolution may seem a futile gesture. But the Clinton Administration has long debated whether to brand Mr. Hussein a war criminal. Vice President Al Gore argued in favor of the idea during the recent crisis. But naming Mr. Hussein a war criminal would complicate negotiating with him.

President Clinton's spokesman, Michael D. McCurry, said today that the resolution was an "interesting idea" that the Administration would review.

A House-Senate conference report would authorize $3 million for war crimes tribunals.