SECURITY COUNCIL CONDEMNS IRAQ FOR ATTEMPT TO DICTATE TERMS OF COOPERATION WITH SPECIAL COMMISSION

29 October 1997

Press Release
SC/6434

SECURITY COUNCIL CONDEMNS IRAQ FOR ATTEMPT TO DICTATE TERMS OF COOPERATION WITH SPECIAL COMMISSION

19971029 Presidential Statement, Responding to Iraq's Letter, Demands Full, Rapid Compliance with Relevant Resolutions

The Security Council this evening condemned the Government of Iraq for its attempt to dictate the terms of its cooperation with the United Nations Special Commission established to monitor the disarmament of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

In a statement read out by its President, Juan Somavia (Chile), the Council demanded that Iraq cooperate fully, in accordance with the relevant resolutions and without conditions or restrictions, with the Special Commission in the implementation of its mandate. Further, the Council reminded the Government of Iraq of its responsibility for the safety and security of the personnel of the Special Commission and its inspection teams.

The Council also stated its determination to ensure rapid and full Iraqi compliance with the relevant resolutions and warned that failure to immediately and fully comply would have serious consequences.

The Council's statement followed its consideration of a letter dated 29 October from the Government of Iraq to the President of the Council (document S/1997/829) conveying Iraq's decision to impose conditions on its cooperation with the Special Commission. In the letter, the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, Tariq Aziz, informs the Council that, as of 1 a.m. 30 October, his Government will cooperate with the Special Commission "provided that no individuals of American nationality shall participate in any activity of the Special Commission inside Iraq".

The Deputy Prime Minister further states that, despite the progress made in the destruction of all the proscribed weapons and related factories, equipment and instruments, as well as the comprehensive and strict monitoring system in effect since 1994, the Special Commission had not submitted a factual and objective report to the Council. As a result, the Council had not lifted economic sanctions against Iraq. The main reason for that, he says, was "the position of the United States and the roles of the American personnel and other personnel of the Special Commission who implement the American policy".

The meeting, which began at 6:10 p.m., was adjourned at 6:16 p.m.

Security Council - 2 - Press Release SC/6434 3828th Meeting (Night) 29 October 1997

The full text of the statement, which will be issued as document S/PRST/1997/49, reads as follows:

"The Security Council has considered the letter of 29 October 1997 from the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq to the President of the Security Council conveying the unacceptable decision of the Government of Iraq to seek to impose conditions on its cooperation with the Special Commission, thereby preventing the Special Commission from discharging its responsibilities under resolutions 687 (1991), 669 (1991), 707 (1991), 715 (1991), 1051 (1996), 1060 (1996), 1115 (1997) and 1134 (1997).

"The Security Council recalls its demands in resolution 1134 (1997) that Iraq cooperate fully with the Special Commission in accordance with the relevant resolutions, which constitute the governing standard of Iraqi compliance.

"The Security Council condemns the decision of the Government of Iraq to try to dictate the terms of its compliance with its obligation to cooperate with the Special Commission. It demands that Iraq cooperate fully, in accordance with the relevant resolutions without conditions or restrictions, with the Special Commission in the implementation of its mandate. The Council furthermore reminds the Government of Iraq of its responsibility for the safety and security of the personnel of the Special Commission and its inspection teams.

"The Security Council warns of the serious consequences of Iraq's failure to comply immediately and fully with its obligations under the relevant resolutions. The Council is determined to ensure rapid and full Iraqi compliance with the relevant resolutions and for that purpose will remain actively seized of the matter."

* *** *