France against the sufferings of the Iraqi people
Iraq-France, Politics, 3/4/2000

French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine has denounced in a message of backing he addressed to the coordinator of the humanitarian program in Iraq, Hans von Sponeck, who resigned from his post in February, the obstacles which impeded this program.

AFP said that France's representative to the UN handed over the message to von Sponeck, in which the French minister expressed his regret over the resignation of von Sponeck, adding that he understands the moral statement resulting from this measure.

Vedrine added, "I think that the obstacles placed deliberately at certain times against implementing the oil-for-food program have spoiled the content of UN resolution 986, which avails Iraq to sell limited amounts of oil to buy foodstuffs and medicines under tough controls by the UN.

The French minister denounced the suffering of the Iraqi people because of the embargo imposed on it since 1990. He stated that it is futile to have the Iraqi people bear the destructive pains to ensure peace inspired by states neighboring Iraq.

Vedrine stressed that France will defend this position at the UN Security Council until measures honoring the needs of the Iraqi people are taken.

Previous Stories:
  New Iraq inspection chief takes over, outgoing humanitarian coordinator spells out concerns   (3/2/2000)
  New statistics on Iraqi deaths under UN embargo   (2/24/2000)
  France praises outgoing UN official's accuracy   (2/16/2000)

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