"We do not think that it is either necessary or desirable," he told journalists.

"We noticed some talks among delegations, perhaps Arab delegations, and from the non-aligned organization. We see no reason, no reason whatsoever, to transport this issue to the General Assembly," Negroponte said.

The five permanent members of the Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- cannot exercise their veto right on the General Assembly, which comprises all 191 UN members.

Negroponte said there would be ample opportunity for the Council to discuss Iraq in April. Speaking after a closed-door agenda-setting meeting of the Council, he said humanitarian aid would be the main issue.

He declined to discuss questions on post-war reconstruction.

"The questions that really are before us have to do more with the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian situation," he said.

SPACE.WIRE