During the conference, the situation in Iraq will be discussed and a statement on the matter will be issued, said Sergio Paez, IPU President and Chilean senator. The conference, set for April 6-12, will count on the participation of 144 parliaments and congresses from around the world.

However, Paez said the Iraqi delegation canceled its participation in the event due to the US-led invasion of the Middle East country.

The legislator termed as understandable the cancellation of the Iraqi delegation, which had actively participated in the previous conferences.

Despite the fact the United States will not send a delegation to this meeting either, Paez said, the other 142 nations would have something to say about the event.

On the importance of the voice of legislators in face of the Iraqi conflict, Paez said the IPU is an official observer in the United Nations and seeks to become a political axis to cooperate with the world organization.

(Xinhua News Agency April 6, 2003)