UN Security Council approves resolution on Iraq sanctions suspension, weapons inspection

The United Nations said today that the UN Security Council voted to adopt resolution 1284, which establishes the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) to succeed UNSCOM in inspecting for weapons in Iraq, and creates the possibility of the suspension of economic sanctions if Iraq cooperates. China, France, and Russia abstained from voting. However, Iraq has repeatedly said that it would reject such an arrangement and that it will settle for no less than a plan that provides for the lifting of the sanctions.

11 Security Council member states voted in favor of the resolution, with a majority of the permanent member states-- China, France, and Russia-- abstaining, along with Malaysia. The resolution would mandate a 120-day period of cooperation on disarmament before the sanctions could be suspended for a renewable 120-day term.