Iraq reiterates call for lifting UN sanctions

Iraq has reiterated its call on the UN to lift the sanctions imposed on it for nine years.

Following his meeting on Monday night in New York with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Iraqi Foreign Minister Muhammad Saeed al-Sahaf said Iraq will not accept less than full implementation of its demand for lifting the sanctions.

Al-Sahaf added that he informed Annan in detail of the humanitarian contracts suspended by the US and Britain, covering 409 contracts to import electrical equipment and health, foodstuffs, agricultural and scientific instruments, water equipment, drainage systems, communications and spare oil equipment in Iraq.

The Iraqi minister stressed that the humanitarian conditions in Iraq will not change in Iraq unless an end is put to the policy pursued by the US and Britain.