| 05.10.2000 OVER THE RECENT PERIOD THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL HAS REGULARLY CONSIDERED THE COMPLEX OF ISSUES RELATING TO THE DISASTROUS HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN IRAQ ¹ 1019 |
1019-5-10-2000
Unofficial translation from Russian
The already extremely difficult situation with humanitarian supplies to that country is further compounded by a systematic blocking in the Security Council's Sanctions Committee of contracts for deliveries of both essential goods and equipment needed to keep industries operating that provide for the vital requirements of Iraq's population. As of now, the total worth of so-called holds exceeds $2 billion.
Such a state of affairs cannot be regarded as satisfactory. Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is taking energetic steps, including through bilateral channels, to unblock the situation. On September 27 consultations of Russian and U.S. experts were held in Washington, at which the American side promised to show a more constructive approach to the problem of holds.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is also concerned that humanitarian contracts are on hold. On October 3 he specifically wrote to the UN Security Council on this matter and called on "all concerned parties" to do their utmost to speed the passage of the contracts through the Sanctions Committee.
Moscow hopes that this call will be heeded.
Generally speaking, it would facilitate a cardinal solution to the humanitarian problem in Iraq to suspend and then lift the sanctions imposed against Iraq, along with the launching of a new mechanism for international monitoring of Iraq's disarmament programs, as is provided by the pertinent Security Council resolutions. In favor of this approach Russia's representatives are now working in the UN.
October 5, 2000
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