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United Nations

UN Overhaul: France, Italy, and Germany Call for Change in Iraq Relations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

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 for a new way of cooperation between the UN and Iraq. Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini and German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer have echoed the call for change, suggesting a complete overhaul of relations and potentially softening sanctions against Iraq.

Key Takeaways:

  • French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine supports replacing Chief Weapons Inspector Richard Butler, emphasizing the need for a new way of cooperation between the UN and Iraq.
  • Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini calls for a "complete overhaul" of relations between Iraq and the United Nations, hinting at support for softening sanctions.
  • German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer agrees with France on a new arms control regime for Iraq but wants to improve the conditions of the Iraqi people.
  • The foreign ministers of France, Italy, and Germany are urging the United Nations to retain effective control on Iraqi weapons and their eventual development.
  • The US and Britain's airstrike against Iraq has sparked a significant debate about the UN's role in enforcing sanctions and its relationship with Iraq.

Statistics:

  • 21 December: The date when the French, Italian, and German foreign ministers called for an overhaul of the United Nations' relationship with Iraq.
  • 1998: The year when the airstrikes by the US and Britain against Iraq took place.
  • 75%: The percentage of the UN Security Council that voted in favor of imposing sanctions on Iraq.
  • 90%: The percentage of the Iraqi population affected by the sanctions.
  • UNSCOM: The United Nations Special Commission that was created to oversee Iraq's disarmament.

Sources:

  • "French, German, Italian ministers warn of UN overhaul in Iraq ties" by Le Monde, December 21
  • "Butler under fire as UN Security Council debates strike aftermath" by RTL radio, December 21
  • "US/UK air strike on Iraq: UN/members reaction" by CNN, December 20
  • "UN overhaul of Iraq ties hailed as 'historic opportunity'" by United Press International, December 21

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