In a move apparently aimed at Israel, Syria has asked the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution to make West Asia a nuclear weapon-free zone.

It urged countries in the region to adopt a convention, which would ban production, development and stockpiling of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

The move, which came in the wake of the decision by Iran and Libya to allow UN inspectors to check their nuclear facilities, stands little chance of being adopted as several members, including Pakistan, have reservations.

Israel has never either admitted or denied possessing nuclear weapons but is perceived by the countries in the region to have such arms. The International Atomic Energy Agency also harbours the impression that Israel has nuclear capability.

During closed-door consultation on Monday, diplomats said not more than six of the 15 Security Council members expressed support. A resolution required nine votes to be adopted.

The United States, Britain, France, Germany and Bulgaria, besides Pakistan, expressed reservations, diplomats said and Syrian Ambassador Faysal Mekdad admitted he was three short of the required number of votes.

Syria, the only Arab member, wants the Council to ask Israel to eliminate its weapons of mass destruction.