Iraq denies UN workers entry visa
Iraq, Politics, 4/7/2001

Officials at the UN said on Thursday that Iraq has refused the issuance of entry visas for more than 300 UN workers and advisors assigned by it to work in development programs in Iraq.

News reports quoted these officials as saying that the postponement cost the UN humanitarian program on Iraq " the oil for food program" at least $ 4 million. A figure which is expected to increase $ 200,000 every month because of the contracts signed with individuals or companies.

In a message he addressed to the UN to this effect last Friday, the Iraqi foreign minister Muhammad Saeed al-Sahaf explained that the visas are submitted for foreigners, whereas Iraqis can perform the same works, carried out by these foreigners. He added that Baghdad had offered 991 entry visas in the year 2000, which is considered a very large number.

Worthy mentioning that the memorandum of understanding the UN and Iraq signed in May 1996 set the conditions according to which the UN staff can go to Iraq and given the right to enter without obstacles.

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