UN expert in Iraq speaks against sanctions, VX nerve gas results yet to be announced
Iraq, Politics, 10/1/1998

Recent statements made by the former UN humanitarian coordinator in Iraq, Dennis Halliday stressed that the sanctions imposed on Iraq are in contradiction with the UN charter and international treaties for human rights and the rights of children.

In a statement he made on Wednesday before leaving Baghdad, Halliday said his 13-month work period in Iraq made him realize the extent of damage that resulted from the sanctions imposed on the people of Iraq. He added that it is not reasonable for him to try to carry out a humanitarian program in the context of a political scenario of the UN Security Council resolutions that hold Iraq hostage though a tough sanctions system, just because certain countries that are members of the UN Security Council are not pleased with its leadership.

Halliday, who resigned his post after 30 years of service with the UN, added that his disputes with the executive director of the program in New York reflect the underestimation of the situation between the main office in New York and the man who is in the work field.

He added that between 4,000 and 5,000 Iraqi children die every month due to the deteriorated health conditions, the shortages of water supplies and foodstuffs.

On Tuesday international diplomats and experts said that the 20 members of the committee in charge of dismantling the Iraqi weapons still await the results of final analysis of an Iraqi warhead in a French laboratory, expected to be made in the middle of November. Preliminary results of analyses made in French and Swiss laboratories did not show any traces of VX gas, in contradiction to a US analysis which proved positive.

Meanwhile, there was repeated mention of allegations that Iraq owns devices that enable it to manufacture nuclear bombs, each with a capacity of 20 kilotons, if enriched uranium is provided. "We are aware of the allegations that Iraq retained weapons-related components, but we can't confirm the specific allegation that they have required those devices. There's little doubt that they have sought a nuclear capability," White House spokesman Mike McCurry said. This comes as increased calls are made to close the Iraqi nuclear file after reports submitted by the International Agency for Atomic Energy stressed that there is no banned Iraqi equipment or activities.

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