UN Security Council approves resolution on Iraq sanctions suspension, weapons inspection
Iraq-UN, Politics, 12/17/1999

The United Nations said today that the UN Security Council voted to adopt resolution 1284, which establishes the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) to succeed UNSCOM in inspecting for weapons in Iraq, and creates the possibility of the suspension of economic sanctions if Iraq cooperates. China, France, and Russia abstained from voting. However, Iraq has repeatedly said that it would reject such an arrangement and that it will settle for no less than a plan that provides for the lifting of the sanctions.

11 Security Council member states voted in favor of the resolution, with a majority of the permanent member states-- China, France, and Russia-- abstaining, along with Malaysia. The resolution would mandate a 120-day period of cooperation on disarmament before the sanctions could be suspended for a renewable 120-day term.

Today's action also lifts the $5.26 billion ceiling on the country's oil exports under the "oil-for-food" program, which was set up in 1996 to provide humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people.

Previous Stories:
  Iraq urges France and Russia to reject United Nations resolution   (12/13/1999)
  Iraq: We reject any decision that does not lift sanction on Baghdad   (12/11/1999)
  Iraq vows to foil British draft at the UN   (12/9/1999)

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