Arabs ask for U.N. intervention in conflict

UNITED NATIONS -- Arab nations called Thursday for an immediate open meeting of the U.N. Security Council, and adoption of a resolution demanding an end to Israeli violence against Palestinians and establishment of a "monitoring mechanism" to help cool the conflict.

The council met late Thursday behind closed doors to discuss the request, initiated by the Palestinians.

U.S. Deputy Ambassador James Cunningham said the United States did not object to a meeting but added: "I don't see what good it will do."

He said the United States, Israel's closest ally on the council, will oppose the resolution -- just as it opposed the Palestinians' three previous attempts to win council approval of a resolution calling for international observers or a monitoring mechanism.

"The resolution, apart from all the other defects of Security Council resolutions, has the even more serious defect now of being completely disconnected from the reality on the ground," Cunningham said before the meeting. Earlier, he noted that U.S. envoy Anthony Zinni is in the region trying to mediate. "Our view is very clear that it is time for the Palestinian Authority to act decisively. Gen. Zinni is still in the region having discussions, and that's where the action is," he said.

The Arab Group at the United Nations sent a letter requesting the meeting after Israel cut contacts with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and launched new military strikes.