Iraqi criticism of Annan's declarations concerning the sanctions

Iraq criticized yesterday the statements made by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan who referred to continuing the Security Council's consultations to discuss intelligent sanctions against Baghdad.

Iraqi sources asserted the necessity of finding a radical solution to Iraq's cause.

Annan said the current sanctions increased the Iraqi people's suffering, demanding the necessity for searching for alternative sanctions, stating that the intelligent sanctions could be in the form of closing bank accounts abroad.

Meanwhile, Iraq said it has decreased its petroleum production to 300,000 barrels per day.

Iraqi Oil Minister Amir Rashid Muhammad said his country may have to make an additional decrease if the necessary spare parts for repairing its petroleum establishments do not arrive.