Baghdad blames UN for continued sanctions, US warships for attack on Iraq

Iraqi Vice President Taha Yassin Ramadan on Thursday held the UN Security Council responsible for the continued sanctions against Iraq. He added that the UN did not take any step toward lifting the sanctions imposed on Iraq, whereas the latter had carried out all its obligations.

In a meeting with Iraqi expatriates in Paris, Ramadan added that it is "a shame" for the UN Security Council to release resolution no. 1194, not to reconsider the lifting of sanctions which have been perpetuated for more than eight years.

He added that Iraq has proven its seriousness and cooperation with the UN Security Council during this period.

In reference to statements made by former US inspector at UNSCOM Scott Ritter in which Ritter said the committee made use of Israel's active support in the efforts to dismantle the Iraqi weapons during the four past years, Ramadan said, "What had been said by Iraq eight years ago has become clear now when spies in the UNSCOM admitted their suspicious relations with the American intelligence and Israel."

Ramadan asserted that Iraq is committed to its positions in confrontation of aggressive threats and in defending its sovereignty and national unity.

He added that the objective of the US military presence in the Gulf region, especially warships, is to launch attacks against Iraq.