Security Council members -- gave the Iraqi proposal a cool reception but Russia, another permanent member of the Security Council, said the avenue should be explored.
When I dropped by during a visit to Beijing last September, I found Chinese security guards manning the reception desk behind a set of locked glass doors.
Israeli Public Security Minister Uzi Landau said that Sunday's Christmas reception, to be attended by international diplomats, is a "private event" and would be allowed to take place.