UN Sanctions on Iraq to Come to a Head This Week

Strategic Insights -

A year of contentious debate over United Nations sanctions against Iraq is nearing a resolution. The UN Security Council's proposal to ease sanctions on Iraq in exchange for cooperation on arms inspections and disarmament has gained momentum. Russia, Iraq's strongest supporter, is reportedly considering an abstention, which could persuade France and China to follow suit. The US and Britain are pushing for a vote on the resolution by the end of the week, aiming to introduce a new sanctions regime before the council is expanded in January with five new members, including four potentially less sympathetic to the US agenda.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council's resolution to ease sanctions on Iraq in exchange for cooperation on arms inspections and disarmament has gained momentum, with indications that Russia may abstain instead of using its veto.
  • Russia's ambassador to the UN, Sergey Lavrov, is due to return to UN headquarters after meeting with Iraq's deputy prime minister, Tariq Aziz, in Moscow.
  • The US and Britain are pushing for a vote on the resolution by the end of the week, using the expiry of the UN's oil-for-food programme as a lever.
  • The resolution aims to introduce a new sanctions regime, which would be appealed by Russia and France.
  • The US administration is keen to resolve the issue before the end of the year, when five new members join the UN Security Council.
  • Madeleine Albright, US secretary of state, has discussed Iraq with her counterparts in Moscow, London, and Paris, and consultations are expected to intensify in the coming week.

Statistics:

  • The UN Security Council's proposal to ease sanctions on Iraq has been debated for a year.
  • 5 new members are expected to join the UN Security Council in January, including 4 potentially less sympathetic to the US agenda in Iraq.
  • The oil-for-food programme has been extended for the usual 6 months 3 times, and its current extension is effective for 1 week.
  • 3 members abstained and 1 voted against the programme's extension.

Sources:

  • "The New York Times"
  • "The Guardian"