U.N. Ignores U.S., Approves (Human Rights) Council 170-4 [View All]

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http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/1-03152006-626915.html

U.N. Ignores U.S., Approves Council 170-4
The Associated Press


UNITED NATIONS - U.N. member states ignored U.S. opposition and overwhelmingly approved a new Human Rights Council on Wednesday, attempting to strengthen the world body's machinery to deal with major human rights offenders.

The vote in the 191-member General Assembly was 170 in favor, 4 against, and 3 abstentions.

The Bush administration refused to back the new council, saying it was not the radical reform Washington wanted to ensure that countries like Cuba, Sudan, Myanmar and Zimbabwe - known as rights abusers - are barred from membership.

But U.S. officials said Washington nonetheless will give its financial backing and seek a seat on the new council.