Diplomats said it might be difficult for UN inspectors to reach a site under attack because of the fighting. The issuance of the statement indicated agreement on the council that the allegations should be investigated.
Apparently the 15-nation council members had taken a vote behind closed doors before allowing its president, Argentine Ambassador Maria Cristina Perceval, to read the statement to reporters. It is a normal, but rare practice for council members to vote on whether to issue a statement, particularly a controversial one.
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