Sign in Subscribe
United Nations

Clinton Sends Ambassador to Build Support Against Premature Sanctions Easing

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

President Clinton has decided to send his ambassador to the United Nations, Madeleine Albright, to build wide support against any premature lifting of economic sanctions against Iraq. Albright will visit several capitals of countries on the 15-nation Security Council, including London, Muscat, Prague, and Rome, to consult with leaders regarding sanctions against Iraq. The council imposed the sanctions on August 6, 1990, to punish Iraq for invading Kuwait four days earlier.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Clinton has asked Ambassador Madeleine Albright to consult with leaders of Security Council countries regarding sanctions against Iraq, aiming to ensure Iraq's full compliance with its U.N. obligations.
  • Albright will visit several capitals, including London, Muscat, Prague, and Rome, to discuss the best means to ensure Iraq's compliance with U.N. resolutions.
  • The U.S. government aims to lock in support from a large group of countries to oppose any premature easing of the sanctions imposed on Iraq.
  • The Security Council reviews the sanctions and disarmament of Iraq every 60 days, giving Iraq a chance to plead its case and have the sanctions lifted if conditions are met.
  • France and Russia have advocated an easing of sanctions, while the U.S. and Britain are opposed, with China remaining neutral.
  • Iraq has reportedly been able to circumvent the U.N. sanctions, particularly the oil embargo, and trade with numerous countries, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues.
  • The U.S. official stated that Albright has no plan to visit Paris and Moscow, whose governments have openly called for a debate aimed at easing the sanctions.

Statistics:

  • The U.N. sanctions were imposed on Iraq on August 6, 1990.
  • Iraq has been exporting an estimated 200,000 barrels of oil a day, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues.
  • The price of Middle East crude oil is currently $14 a barrel, while Iraq sold its oil for as low as $8 a barrel.
  • The U.S. government aims to work more intensely in the weeks preceding the review to remove any doubt of the need to keep the sanctions in place.

Sources:

  • "Clinton Sends Ambassador to Build Support Against Premature Sanctions Easing", Byline: J.T. Nguyen, United Nations, February 23 (note: exact date not available; source mentions "Thursday")
  • Original Text: United Nations, February 23
  • James Rubin, Spokesman for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations
  • A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity

Read more