Iraq opposes new conditions to lifting the sanctions

In a key opening statement published by al-Thawra newspaper, the mouthpiece of Iraq's ruling socialist Baath Party, Iraq opposed yesterday drafting any new conditions by the UN including removal of weapons of mass destruction, which Iraq asserted were completely destroyed under the supervision of UNSCOM.

Moreover, Iraq described the drafting of new conditions by the United Nations Security Council to freeing Iraq from any weapons of mass destruction, as conditions against the law, and are invalid and void.

Al-Thawra also said that after the passage of eight years of inspections and supervision, and nine years of sanctions, it is unjust to add any conditions to lifting the sanctions.

Meanwhile, al-Thawra newspaper called on the Security Council to carry out its commitments toward Iraq and not to believe countries breaching Security Council decisions, referring to the US and Britain.

Iraq has announced that it is not concerned with the discussions and work of the three committees previously formed by the Security Council on Iraq concerning disarmament and the humanitarian situation in Iraq and the Kuwaiti missing, saying Iraq was not asked or even notified of the holding of these committees.