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Towards Lifting the Sanctions - UN Security Council - Global Policy Forum Towards Lifting the Sanctions
Shortly after the US invaded Iraq and removed Saddam Hussein from power, President George W. Bush urged the United Nations to lift its comprehensive economic sanctions against Iraq. Though all members of the Security Council agreed in principle that sanctions had to end, many Council members were concerned that a resolution would indirectly justify the war and acknowledge the US occupation. For many Council members, Resolution 1483 fails to give an adequate role to the UN in post-war Iraq and to arrange for the return of the UN arms inspectors to certify that Iraq is free of weapons of mass destruction. Sanctions Against Iraq | Oil-for-Food Program | Iraq Crisis | Documents
Wider Discussion on Sanctions Reform | Criticism of the Sanctions | Studies and Recommendations
Statements against Sanctions | Civilian Flights | Other Analyses of the Sanctions | Oil in Iraq
Resolution 1483 (May 22, 2003)
The resolution adopted 14-0 in the Security Council with Syria absent gives the US and UK forces control of Iraq and immediately lifts the sanctions.
2003
Resolution 1483: Legalizing an Occupation (May 28, 2003)
The US got everything it wanted with the Security Council Resolution 1483. Minor concessions included making the UN Special Coordinator a Special Representative. But the representative will only have coordinating responsibilities and no executive powers over the occupation regime. (Present Danger)The Security Council that Betrayed its Mission (May 28, 2003)
Former Jordan Ambassador to the UN Hasan Abu Nimah condemns the Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 1483 as an “acquiescence to power politics” and an “open UN invitation to its member states to support an illegal occupation.” (Jordan Times)UN Votes to End Sanctions on Iraq (May 23, 2003)
The Security Council voted 14-0 to end the sanction against Iraq. One of many requests by France, Russia and Germany, a time limit for the US and UK occupation in Iraq, was denied. After the vote, President George W. Bush said that the coalition partners will remain in Iraq as long as necessary.” (Los Angeles Times)New Master of Iraqi Oil Ceremonies (May 23, 2003)
After countless calls to counterparts and minor concessions to foreign governments by the US, the Security Council passed a resolution to end 13 years of sanctions against Iraq. Profit motives linked to oil lurk behind the sanctions debate, and “double and triple standards by the most verbal actors - France, Russia and the United States.” (Asia Times)Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Gunter Pleuger (May 22, 2003)
This is the transcript of German ambassador Gunter Pleuger’s statement to the Security Council on the resolution to lift sanctions in Iraq. (German Mission Transcript)Explanation of Vote by Ambassador John D. Negroponte (March 22, 2003)
This is the transcript of US ambassador John D. Negroponte’s statement to the Security Council on the resolution to lift sanctions in Iraq. (US Mission Transcript )France, Russia Back Lifting of Iraq Sanctions (May 22, 2003)
Foreign Ministers from France, Russia and Germany announced their support for a Security Council resolution to lift the Iraq sanctions. French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin said the countries would vote for the resolution “even if this text does not go as far as we would like […] because we have chosen the path of unity of the international community.” (Washington Post)The Sanctions Game (May 19, 2003)
For more than a decade, US imposed sanction on Iraq were one of the “strictest, most closely regulated sanctions in the history of economic warfare.” Washington asks now the UN to immediately lift the sanctions so the US can profit from Iraq’s resources. (Yellow Times)Britain Has Capitulated to US Hawks Over UN Resolution (May 13, 2003)
In the new US-UK sponsored draft on Iraq, the UN is assigned to advisory and supportive roles. This reveals that the hawks in Washington have the upper hand and it also contradicts the Hillsborough summit in April, where Prime Minister Tony Blair promised a “vital role” for the United Nations. (Times, London)Interview Given by M. Dominique de Villepin, Minister of Foreign Affairs (May 12, 2003)
The French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin answers questions about Iraq, regarding the UN role, the US, UK and Spanish Security Council draft on Iraq and also about France-US relations. (Le Monde)Time For Some Realpolitik (May 9, 2003)
Simon Tisdall of the Guardian comments on the draft proposal to control Iraq financially and politically. The US needs UN approval if it wants private investors and multinational corporations to invest in Iraq without fear of default or legal challenges.US to Propose Broader Control Of Iraqi Oil, Funds (May 9, 2003)
The new draft resolution presented to the UN Security Council would give the US authority over Iraq’s lucrative oil industry. The resolution will face opposition from nations that favor continued UN control over Iraq's oil. (Washington Post)US Eases Embargoes, Asks UN to Follow (May 8, 2003)
President George W. Bush announced that the United States would suspend its restrictions against Iraq on technology exports, humanitarian assistance and cash transfers to people in Iraq. Bush also urged the UN to lift its sanctions against Iraq. (Washington Post)US Faces Opposition Over New Iraq Resolution (May 8, 2003)
There are recommendations by the US and its allies that the UN should end sanctions and “phase out the oil-for-food aid program.” The proposal will face opposition and Russia has already circulated its own draft resolution proposing that Secretary General Kofi Annan run the oil-for-food program. (Associated Press)US Overseer Blames Sanctions by UN for Iraqi Gas Shortages (May 5, 2003)
Jay Garner, the former Lieutenant General in charge of Iraq’s reconstruction, wants the UN to lift the sanctions and blames the world body for stalling deliveries of oil for Iraq. Garner did not state that the devastating sanctions were previously enforced by the US and Britain. (New York Times)UN Council May Modify US Call to End Bans On Iraq (May 2, 2003)
With reservations in the Security Council about a resolution lifting the sanctions against Iraq, the chances are slim that it will pass. According to diplomats the resolution would marginalize the UN’s role. (Reuters)We Are Not With You and We Don't Believe You (April 30, 2003)
Prime Minister Tony Blair was not able to persuade President Vladimir Putin to lift the sanctions. Putin also scorned Blair stating that “perhaps Saddam is still hiding somewhere in a bunker underground, sitting on cases of weapons of mass destruction.” (Guardian)Blair-Putin Tensions On Sanctions (April 29, 2003)
Prime Minister Tony Blair held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the aftermath of the war in Iraq. Putin stated that the sanctions can not be lifted until the issue of weapons of mass destruction has been clarified. (BBC)US to Offer Resolution to End Sanctions (April 25, 2003)
The Bush administration plans to introduce a draft resolution to the UN Security Council lifting the sanctions on Iraq, while limiting UN involvement in Iraq to a "consultative role." Still under consideration in Washington, the draft resolution offers specific plans for the Iraq oil industry, such as "moving its profits from UN control to an Iraqi Central Bank fund to be spent on reconstruction activities" designated by Jay Garner. (Washington Post)France Urging UN to Suspend Iraq Penalties (April 23, 2003)
French ambassador to the UN, Jean Marc de la Sablière calls for the suspension of sanctions against Iraq and for allowing unrestricted non-military trade to resume. (New York Times)France and Russia Prepare For Battle Over UN Sanctions (April 18, 2003)
President George W. Bush urged the UN to lift the sanctions on Iraq. But Permanent Security Council member Russia stated that sanctions would not be lifted until it is certain that Iraq does not possess weapons of mass destruction. (Independent)Bush Urges End to Iraq Sanctions (April 17, 2003)
President George W. Bush urged the United Nations to lift economic sanctions against Iraq. Security Council members will probably debate this issue, fearing that lifting the sanctions will result in the US gaining full control over Iraq’s oil. (New York Times)
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