UN Golan resolution in trouble

A Syrian resolution regarding the annexation of the Golan Heights was expected late Thursday to be repelled by a US veto, Monitor special correspondent Louis Wiznitzer reports.He said Britain and France were also expected to cast vetoes, although there was a possibility France might abstain. The resolution calls Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights ''an act of aggression'' but uses slightly softer language than the original text submitted by Syria, so the sanctions are voluntary rather than compulsive.

It refers to Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which deals with sanctions, without specifically naming it, to declare ''that member states should [instead of must] refrain from giving Israel military and economic assistance.'' It requests them (instead of orders them) to sever diplomatic relations with Israel.