The UN Security Council on Friday joined the worldwide outcry against Israeli decision to expel Palestinian Authority President Yaseer Arafat from Palestine but rebuffed a demand that they quickly adopt a resolution asking Israel to do a rethink.

The 15-member council, which held consultations on a draft resolution late on Friday, adjourned without taking any decision. Instead, it set an open debate for Monday, contending the issue requires more discussion.

In an open discussion, non-council members too can take part.

Security Council President Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry of Britain read out a consensus statement that said the members expressed the view that removal of Arafat would be 'unhelpful' and 'should not be implemented.'

But he said the resolution had not been introduced.

Apparently, members wanted more time to consider the draft as, diplomats said, they felt that a hasty vote could draw a veto from the United States, Israel's closest ally.

However, under strong pressure from Arabs, the members took the interim step of agreeing to issue a statement with a language to which all agreed.

The Council met at the request of Arab states and the 116-member Non-Aligned Movement.