Main Points of UN Resolution to Lift Sanctions on Iraq

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, May 23, 2003

Main Points of UN Resolution to Lift Sanctions on Iraq

The United Nations Security Council on Thursday overwhelmingly adopted a US-backed resolution to lift the 13-year UN sanctions against Iraq.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

The United Nations Security Council on Thursday overwhelmingly adopted a US-backed resolution to lift the 13-year UN sanctions against Iraq.

The resolution, cosponsored by the US, Britain and Spain, gives the US and Britain wide-ranging powers to administer Iraq's political and economic reconstruction.

The following are the main points of the resolution:

-- The resolution immediately lifts all civilian sanctions the UN imposed on Iraq after its invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, with the exception of an arms embargo.

-- The resolution reaffirms the importance of the disarmament of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction and of the eventual confirmation of Iraq's disarmament. It encourages the US and Britain to keep the Security Council informed of their arms inspection activities in Iraq.

-- The resolution described the United States and Britain as "the Authority," recognizing their obligations under international law as occupying powers.

-- The resolution would establish a "Development Fund for Iraq" for reconstruction to be held by the Central Bank of Iraq. There would be an International Advisory and Monitoring Board composed of the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Arab Fund for Social and Economic Development.

-- Money in the fund and all revenue from Iraq's oil sales would be used "at the direction" of the "Authority" and in consultation with an Iraqi interim authority and until an Iraqi government is formed. The money would be immune from claims and lawsuits until 2008 unless the Security Council decides otherwise.

-- The resolution proposes that five percentage of the oil revenues would be deducted for a compensation fund for Kuwaiti and other claims resulting from Iraq's 1990 invasion.

-- The resolution phases out the current UN oil-for-food program, which has some 13 billion dollars, over a period of six months. Some 1 billion dollars, minus UN costs, would be immediately transferred to the Fund. The UN would evaluate which goods should be sent to Iraq.

-- The resolution calls for a restructuring of Iraq's massive debt through the Paris Club, which restructures debt for emerging countries.

-- The resolution asks Secretary-General Kofi Annan to appoint a special representative with "independent" duties to restore Iraqi institutions and promote reconstruction, human rights, legal and judicial reform.

-- The resolution remains in effect until a permanent internationally recognized Iraqi government is established. But the Security Council would review the implementation of the resolution within 12 months of its adoption and to consider further steps that might be necessary.

-- The resolution would revisit the mandates of UN Monitoring, Verification, and Inspection Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency as set forth in resolutions since 1991.

-- The resolution urges all countries to watch for, return and prohibit trade of Iraq cultural properties looted from Iraq's National Museum and National Library.

Questions?Comments? Click here

China Expects UN to Play Due Role in Iraq Rebuilding

UN Passes Resolution on Lifting Sanctions Against Iraq

Chinese Crack Down on Public Spitting ( 2 Messages)

United States Afraid of its Own Shadow: Mahathir ( 8 Messages)

Int'l Community Aids China's SARS-control ( 6 Messages)

BBC Leader Criticizes US Coverage of War against Iraq ( 17 Messages)

US Interference in China's Internal Affairs Doomed to Failure: FM Spokeswoman ( 7 Messages)