Iraq calls for immediate lifting of UN sanctions

Iraqi Deputy Premier Tariq Aziz has asserted that lifting the sufferings of the Iraqi people is not done through the oil-for-food accord, rather in an immediate cancellation of sanctions imposed on Iraq.

Aziz, was who is on a visit to Spain, was quoted as saying in a statement to the Spanish daily al-Bais issued on Monday that the sanctions imposed on Iraq have greatly damaged the Iraqi industry and health services.

In another statement with the Spanish daily ABC, Aziz said that UNICEF stressed that the shortage of food and medicine because of sanctions imposed on Iraq cause the death of 5000 to 6000 Iraqi children under five every month.

The Iraqi official added that the US is determinant to perpetuate sanctions against Baghdad despite the progress achieved by Iraq in adhering to the implementation of UN resolutions.

Aziz is scheduled to meet with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar to discuss the issue of lifting UN sanctions from Iraq.