International

Iraq criticises sanctions overhaul

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

United Nations May 15. The United Nations Security Council resolution to revamp the sanctions regime against Iraq marks yet another phase in the international community's dealing with the West Asian country. The 15-0 vote yesterday tightened the military embargo against the Saddam Hussein regime but eased the flow of civilian goods.

Diplomats here feel that the last word has not been said on the subject and say that the world body has to come to terms with not only the existing measures but go beyond them. The Russians have said that the next step should be a comprehensive settlement that would include measures leading to the suspension of the military embargo against Iraq. Clearly, the Western nations, especially Britain and the United States, are not looking that far ahead.

The resolution essentially extends the oil-for-food programme for a further six months starting May 30. The Council has also paved the way for a near free flow of civilian goods. However, in the process the Council also adopted a 300-page checklist of items that could have potential military use. Iraq has to obtain the approval of the United Nations for importing items such as high-speed computers, sprayers and heavy-duty trucks. Baghdad needs approval to import even Botox, a drug approved by the American Government to remove wrinkles but it is thought the drug could cause botulism.

The United States — which had pushed for a unanimous vote in the Council — and Britain have argued that the new review list will reduce United Nations bureaucracy and speed up delivery of goods. But Iraq does not see it in that light. Baghdad has objected to the shake-up in the sanctions, calling it "a new harassment" of the Iraqi people.

The vote brought to end months of intense and delicate diplomacy and behind-the-scenes efforts by the United States, Britain and Russia. The idea was to get tougher on the Iraqi leader while at the same time appearing to be not too intrusive on the humanitarian front. The broad objective was to hammer out a resolution that would not invite a veto from any one of the five permanent members. At one time, Britain and the United States were suggesting measures to cut off the oil smuggling routes of Iraq and place monitors on the Iraqi borders. The Russians apparently were unwilling to go along with the idea and threatened to veto any resolution along these lines.

Iraq has started a dialogue with the United Nations on the return of weapons inspectors with a third meeting between its Foreign Minister and the Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, expected to take place soon. For the last several years, Iraq has used diplomacy to try and dismantle the sanctions regime. Washington has threatened to take military action if the weapons inspectors are not allowed back.

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