DATE=12/3/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N-IRAQ OIL (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-256823
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United Nations Security Council today
(Friday) extended, for one week, Iraq's "oil-for-food"
program. At the United Nations, VOA Correspondent
Breck Ardery reports the move is viewed as an effort
to speed-up a Council decision on a more comprehensive
resolution on Iraq.
TEXT: The resolution, sponsored by the United States,
was passed by a vote of 11 in favor, three abstentions
including China, Malaysia and Russia and France not
participating in the vote.
Diplomats say the one-week extension of the oil for
food program will pressure the five permanent members
of the Security Council to agree on a comprehensive
resolution on Iraq. That comprehensive resolution,
which has been under discussion for several months,
would lift sanctions against Iraq in exchange for the
return of weapons inspectors there.
Peter Burleigh, the Deputy Chief of the U-S Mission to
the United Nations, expressed optimism that
comprehensive resolution will be approved next week.
///Burleigh act///
This resolution ensures that essential
humanitarian assistance can continue while the
Security Council prepares for adoption of a
comprehensive resolution on Iraq next week.
///end act///
But other Council members expressed doubt that a
comprehensive resolution could be ready for a vote
within a week and several, including Russia and
Malaysia emphasized there should be no linkage between
the oil-for-food program and a comprehensive
resolution on Iraq.
France dismissed the one-week extension resolution as
impractical. Speaking with the aid of an English
translator, France's ambassador Alain Dejammet
explained why his country refused to participate in
the vote.
///Dejammet act - Translator///
This resolution should not have been put to a
vote. I would like to recall that in certain
very rare cases texts which we know will not be
applied and do not have the full authority of
the Council should no be put to a vote. We
should not take part in an exercise which is
materially unworkable.
///end act///
Diplomats say refusal to participate in a vote is the
only way, short of a veto, for a permanent member of
the U-N Security Council to show its strong
disagreement.
Iraq rejected the resolution in advance, saying it is
an "evil proposal." Iraq previously rejected a two-
week extension of the oil-for-food program which was
passed by the Security Council on November 19th. Iraq
has exported no oil since then.(Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/PT
03-Dec-1999 19:16 PM EDT (04-Dec-1999 0016 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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