UNITED NATIONS, March 16: Muslim countries led by Iran on Monday objected to a new directive by the UN secretary-general allowing UN staffers from countries that recognize same-sex marriages or domestic partnerships to receive benefits for their same-sex partners.

Speaking on behalf of the 57-nation Organization of the Islamic Conference, Iran said Muslim states were not only "concerned about extending the scope of the family" eligible for benefits but "opposes the presumption" that same-sex partners should qualify.

The directive, which took effect on Feb 1, says "family status for the purposes of entitlements" will be determined by the staffer's nationality. A legally recognized marriage or domestic partnership will qualify that staff member "to receive the entitlements provided for eligible family members," it says.

Iran's envoy Alireza Tootoonchian told the General Assembly's administration and budget committee that the OIC questioned Mr Annan's right to issue such a directive without a decision of the General Assembly. He asked the UN Secretariat to clarify a number of issues relating to the new policy.