US began inspection of Iraqi ships

Baghdad stated yesterday that US inspections of Iraqi ships in the Gulf delays needed medical and food supplies from reaching Iraq.

A statement from the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said that US naval forces began, without any right, continuous inspections of ships that carry food and humanitarian supplies to Iraq.

The statement said this is a breach of the United Nations' charter and Security Council resolutions, and will cause spiritual and economic harm in Iraq because such obstructions, a matter which leads to increasing insurance and transportation costs on goods coming to Baghdad within the oil-for-food agreement.