STATEMENT BY MR. ALEG IVANOU
CHARGE D’AFFAIRES a.i., DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS TO THE UNITED NATIONS
IN THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE “THE SITUATION BETWEEN IRAQ AND KUWAIT”

BELARUS MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

16 October 2002

Mr. President,

The Republic of Belarus has been closely following the developments around Iraq and the consideration of this issue within the United Nations.

Noting that it is necessary for Iraq to implement the UN Security Council resolutions, the President and the Government of the Republic of Belarus welcome the decision made by the Iraqi leadership on the resumption of the work of UN inspectors in the country without any preliminary conditions. Through this decision, Iraq has demonstrated its aspiration for a constructive dialogue with the United Nations and international community. Belarus calls upon the States Members of the Security Council to support this constructive approach opening up a political way out of the present complicated situation. We support the outcome of the consultations on this problem held in Vienna.

Belarus cannot agree with the position taken by those States that see the settlement of the Iraqi issue only through the use of force against Iraq. We support political and diplomatic means for the settlement of the Iraqi issue under the aegis of the United Nations and stand against any unilateral military actions without relevant UN Security Council mandate.

According to the UN Charter, the UN Security Council is the body bearing primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. In this connection, the Council should not allow a military action against Iraq, which can result in a major international conflict with unforeseen consequences and divide not only the Arab world but other regions as well.

Conducting constructive dialogue between the Iraqi leadership and the UN Secretary-General and the international community as a whole along with ensuring unimpeded work of UN inspectors are, in our opinion, the key guidelines of agreed international efforts on the road towards peaceful settlement of the Iraqi issue.

The Republic of Belarus welcomes the adoption by the Security Council of resolution 1409 (2002), which considerably simplified the implementation of the “Oil For Food” Program. We stand for further step-by-step mitigation of the UN regime of sanctions against Iraq, which undermines social and economic situation in that country and results in serious humanitarian consequences for its population.

Belarus strives for achieving political settlement to all disputes on the international agenda. We express hope for an objective consideration of the Iraqi issue and call upon the Security Council to take a balanced decision in the interest of peace and security not only in the Middle East but on a global scale as well.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.