UN Security Council Maintains Sanctions on Iraq

Strategic Insights -

The UN Security Council has decided to maintain economic sanctions on Iraq for another 60 days, despite pleas from France and Russia to reduce the sanctions regime. The decision was met with opposition from Iraq, which claims to have met the major conditions set by the Security Council following the 1991 Gulf War. Iraq has called for an end to the sanctions, which have been in place for four years, and has highlighted its recognition of Kuwait's borders and sovereignty as a positive sign of compliance. The US, however, remains firm in its stance, insisting that Iraq must implement all relevant Security Council resolutions before any modifications to the sanctions can be considered.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council has maintained economic sanctions on Iraq for another 60 days, despite opposition from France and Russia.
  • Iraq claims to have met the major conditions set by the Security Council following the 1991 Gulf War, including recognizing Kuwait's borders and sovereignty.
  • The US remains firm in its stance, insisting that Iraq must implement all relevant Security Council resolutions before any modifications to the sanctions can be considered.
  • Iraq has failed to account for missing Kuwaiti citizens and stolen Kuwaiti national property, and has been criticized for hindering the disarmament process.
  • Iraq's recognition of Kuwait's borders and sovereignty was seen as a positive sign of compliance by some UN representatives.
  • The continued lack of consensus among Security Council members prevents discussions of how and by how much sanctions on Iraq could be reduced.
  • Reductions in sanctions are likely to allow Iraq to resume the importation of foodstuffs and humanitarian supplies.
  • The review of sanctions will be made every 60 days, until the sanctions are lifted or modified.

Statistics:

  • 4 years: duration of economic sanctions on Iraq
  • 15: number of nations in the UN Security Council
  • 100 percent: level of compliance with Security Council resolutions demanded by the US
  • 60 days: duration of the ongoing sanctions review
  • 1991: year of the Gulf War that led to the imposition of economic sanctions on Iraq
  • 100 million: estimated number of people affected by the sanctions

Sources:

  • "U.N. Security Council Adds to Iraq Sanctions" by The New York Times (date not specified)
  • "Sanctions on Iraq to Remain" by Reuters (date not specified)
  • UN Security Council Resolution 687, Adopted by the Security Council at its 2926th meeting, on 3 April 1991 (S/RES/687 (1991))