Nuclear Conference Critical Of Israel

A 150-nation nuclear meeting has formally passed a resolution directly criticizing Israel and its atomic program for the first time in 18 years.

The result was a setback not only for Israel but also for the U.S. and other backers of the Jewish state. They had lobbied for debate on the issue without a vote.

Of delegations present Friday, 49 voted for the resolution. Forty-five were against and 16 abstained.

The resolution "expresses concern about the Israeli nuclear capabilities." Israel is widely considered to have nuclear arms.

It was sponsored by Arab nations and supported by many developing countries.