United Nations
The foreign ministers of France, Italy, and Germany are urging a significant overhaul of the United Nations' relationship with Iraq in the wake of recent airstrikes by the US and Britain. French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine has expressed support for replacing Chief Weapons Inspector Richard Butler, citing the need
United Nations
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the US and British airstrikes on Iraq, with several countries condemning the action. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed deep regret over the use of force, stating that it was a "sad day for the world." The US
United Nations
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed his deep regret and sadness over the U.S.-led military strikes on Iraq, stating that the actions of the United States have not lived up to the principles of the United Nations. Annan had been working to avoid the use of force and
United Nations
Tensions remained high in Baghdad as the Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein, refused to allow UN arms inspectors to complete their searches, sparking a series of incidents that have raised concerns about potential military action. The US and Britain maintain a strong military presence in the region, with aircraft and navy
United Nations
US Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright warned of US air raids against Iraq unless they backed down on blocking UN inspectors investigating weapons of mass destruction. The latest standoff reflects a growing determination in the US administration to use force and topple President Saddam Hussein. Experts say the administration
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The United Nations Security Council has authorized Iraq to sell $5.25 billion worth of oil in a fifth six-month phase, beginning on November 26. This decision comes despite Iraq's request to extend the current sales phase by 60 days to reach the target. Iraq has been exporting
United Nations
The United Nations Sanctions Committee has made a surprise decision to revise its oil-for-food deal, casting a shadow over Iraqi oil exports, which are expected to come to a halt for at least two weeks. The current deal is set to expire on November 25, and while Iraq's
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The Clinton administration, in its efforts to weaken Saddam Hussein's military and prevent the manufacture of weapons of mass destruction, has readied a strike plan against Iraq. This plan, which could last several days or more and involves breaking strikes with pauses to assess damage, is intended to
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President Saddam Hussein's announcement that Iraq would accept any initiative to lift sanctions was dismissed by the White House as a "non-starter" after months of escalating tensions over UN Special Commission (UNSCOM) access to Iraqi weapons and missile sites. The US and its allies demand unfettered
United Nations
Russia's efforts to broker a diplomatic settlement to the Iraq crisis have taken a firmer tone, with officials warning that the alternative to cooperation with the United Nations is a threat of force that "can become real." In a bid to avert possible air strikes by
United Nations
UN Secretary-General Mr. Kofi Annan today appealed to Iraq to drop its decision to end cooperation with UN arms inspectors, warning of dire consequences for the Iraqi people, the region, and the world if the crisis is not resolved through diplomacy. The appeal came as Iraq's President Saddam
United Nations
Britain and America yesterday agreed to use military force against Iraq if President Saddam Hussein continues to block United Nations arms inspections. The agreement was made after a meeting in London between George Robertson, the Defence Secretary, and William Cohen, his American counterpart. The two countries emphasized that all options
