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United Nations

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan Criticizes U.S.-Led Military Strikes on Iraq

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

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 had made every effort to seek peace, but ultimately, his efforts were insufficient. Despite the criticism, Annan emphasized the continued need for humanitarian aid in Iraq and the wider region, with 307 U.N. humanitarian workers remaining in the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed deep regret and sadness over the U.S.-led military strikes on Iraq.
  • Annan had been working to avoid the use of force and had made every effort to seek peace, but ultimately, his efforts were insufficient.
  • Annan emphasized the continued need for humanitarian aid in Iraq and the wider region, with 307 U.N. humanitarian workers remaining in the country.
  • Annan stated that the actions of the United States have not lived up to the principles of the United Nations.
  • The U.N. Security Council was forced to suspend its planned day-long debate on maintaining 'peace and security and post-conflict peace building' in the world to discuss the crisis in Iraq.
  • Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Sergei Lavrov and Chinese officials condemned the decision of U.N. Special Commission executive chairman Richard Butler to withdraw U.N. inspectors from Iraq.
  • Lavrov stated that Butler's decision should have been discussed and approved by the U.N. Security Council.
  • Nizar Hamdoon, the Iraqi ambassador to the United Nations, stated that he believes Washington will act 'regardless of what the Security Council membership feels' about the situation.

Statistics:

  • 307 U.N. humanitarian workers remain in Iraq.
  • The U.S.-led military strikes on Iraq were initiated about 4:49 EST.
  • The U.N. Security Council has 15 members.
  • Richard Butler, the executive chairman of the U.N. Special Commission, ordered U.N. inspectors to leave Iraq.
  • The number of U.N. workers staying in the United Nations' Canal Hotel compound in Baghdad is unknown.

Sources:

  • United Nations, Dec. 16 (no date for the specific article).
  • United Press International. All rights reserved. (Copyright 1998).

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