Russia Urges UN to Lift Sanctions on Iraq

Russia's Foreign Minister Andrei Kozyrev on Monday addressed the UN Security Council, calling for the lifting of sanctions on Iraq if the country complies with all relevant UN resolutions. Kozyrev proposed that the oil embargo be ended six months after a disarmament monitoring system begins working in Iraq. He emphasized Iraq's readiness to recognize Kuwait's sovereignty and borders, a key condition for easing sanctions. Kozyrev's initiative was discussed during his meeting with US Secretary of State Warren Christopher earlier that day.

Key Takeaways:

• Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Kozyrev asked the UN Security Council to lift sanctions on Iraq if the country complies with all UN resolutions.
• Kozyrev proposed that the oil embargo be ended six months after a disarmament monitoring system begins working in Iraq.
• Iraq has agreed to recognize Kuwait's sovereignty and borders without preconditions, a key condition for easing sanctions.
• Kozyrev met with Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein in Baghdad and visited Gulf government leaders before speaking at the UN Security Council.
• Kozyrev met with US Secretary of State Warren Christopher earlier on Monday, with both sides agreeing that Iraq must comply with all Security Council resolutions.
• Kozyrev requested a summit or meeting at a ministers-level of the council in January 1995 to discuss "a better" use of sanctions and peacekeeping operations.
• Kozyrev criticized double-standards in the implementation of sanctions by the UN council.

Statistics:

• 6 months: proposed duration of the testing period for the disarmament monitoring system in Iraq before lifting the oil embargo.
• 1991: the year of the Gulf War.
• 1995: the proposed year for a summit or meeting at a ministers-level of the UN Security Council.

Sources:

• RYM BRAHIMI, UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 17
• AP Newsargon