Soviet Union, Libya Try Unsuccessfully to Block UN Consultative Status for Groups

The Soviet Union and Libya continued yesterday attempting to block the granting to Jewish groups of consultative status before the Economic and Social Council–but without success. The Council’s committee on non-governmental organizations, which is reviewing the status of organizations having a relationship with the Council, renewed approval of the International Council of Jewish Women as a consultant. Earlier Isa Babaa of Libya and N.I.O. Yevdokeyev of Russia objected to granting of consultative status to the World Jewish Congress and the Women’s International Zionist Organization (Wizo). In all cases, they were outvoted by the other members of the committee. The organizations which serve as consultants have a voice but not a vote before the Economic and Social Council–that is, they may present positions on issues during debate but have no voice in UN decisions.