Letter: Iraq resolution

Sir Terence Clark,Others
Monday 16 February 1998 01:02 GMT
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Iraq resolution

AS INTENDED, the build-up of forces in the Gulf has concentrated the minds of the international community.

It is unacceptable that any state should disregard resolutions of the Security Council and it is right that every possible step should be taken to ensure that those relating to the elimination of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq are enforced. But no humane person wishes the good people of Iraq, among whom we have lived and worked, to suffer for a day longer than is necessary the privation which the ambition and indifference of the Iraqi regime have caused them for so long. The UN Security Council should accordingly consider adopting a new resolution on the following lines.

1. Iraq will forthwith allow the UN inspectors, reinforced by representatives of other countries invited by the Council, unrestricted access to all sites.

2. As soon as this process has begun, further sales of Iraqi oil for humanitarian aid will be allowed. The distribution of this aid will be supervised by neutral observers.

3. If, after two months, the inspection has proceeded without interference, a further easing of sanctions will be authorised.

4. When the work of the inspectors has been completed, sanctions will be ended. However, Iraq will permit further inspections thereafter at agreed intervals.

5. If at any stage the work of the inspectors is hindered in any way, sanctions will be reimposed. Should interference continue, the Security Council will meet to consider further action to ensure compliance with this resolution.

Sir TERENCE CLARK

Ambassador to Iraq, 1985-89

Sir STEPHEN EGERTON

Ambassador to Iraq, 1980-82

Sir DONALD MAITLAND

Sir JOHN MOBERLY

Ambassador to Iraq, 1982-85

DAVID SUMMERHAYES

Sir HAROLD WALKER

Ambassador to Iraq, 1990-91

Bath

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