UN Security Council Warns Iraq of Pre-Emptive Action

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Security Council issued a late-night resolution warning Iraq that a pre-emptive attack could occur if it moves military units towards Kuwait, where a threat to the country could arise. The resolution was adopted unanimously, but with a rift between Moscow and Washington, as the US insisted on dealing with the potential threat before accepting Iraq's new stance on recognizing Kuwait's sovereignty. The US has deployed 12,000 troops to Kuwait, with plans to add 30,000 more, while Russia is seeking the lifting of trade sanctions to allow Iraq to repay pre-war debts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council resolution warns Iraq of pre-emptive action if it moves military units towards Kuwait, posing a threat to the country.
  • The resolution was adopted unanimously, but with a rift between Moscow and Washington, as the US insisted on dealing with the potential threat before accepting Iraq's new stance on recognizing Kuwait's sovereignty.
  • The US has deployed 12,000 troops to Kuwait, with plans to add 30,000 more.
  • Russia is seeking the lifting of trade sanctions to allow Iraq to repay pre-war debts.
  • The resolution does not accept Iraq's new stance on recognizing Kuwait's sovereignty yet, and requires a full and formal constitutional sanction.
  • The provision requiring Iraq to notify the UN Secretary General two weeks before any unusual or alarming troop movements was dropped to placate the Russians.
  • The US wants to deal with the prospect of a renewed Iraqi threat before accepting at face value another Iraqi declaration.
  • Russia's deputy ambassador, Mr. Vasily Sidorov, expressed his country's regret that the resolution was pushed through, but acknowledged that the US made enough compromises to make it palatable.

Statistics:

  • 12,000 American troops have arrived in Kuwait or are on their way.
  • The US plans to deploy 30,000 soldiers to Kuwait.
  • The resolution was adopted 12 hours before Iraqi Foreign Minister Andrei Kozyrev's arrival in New York with details of his plan to allow a lifting of the sanctions.

Sources:

  • The New York Times
  • BBC News