STATEMENT BY THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL

UNITED NATIONS,
NEW YORK, NEW YORK

26 JUNE 2001

The European Union remains committed to the full implementation of all UN Security Council resolutions pertaining to Iraq. In particular, the European Union calls for the implementation of all the provisions of resolutions 687 and 1284. These resolutions specify the obligations of Iraq in several areas including weapons of mass destruction, and the way to suspension and lifting of the prohibitions imposed by the Council. There can be no doubt that the key to suspension and lifting of sanctions rests in the hands of the Government of Iraq.

The European Union looks forward to the future reintegration of Iraq into the international community and a more prosperous and dignified life for the Iraqi civilian population. We reiterate that Iraq must fully comply with its obligations as provided for in the relevant Security Council resolutions and calls on the Government of Iraq to co-operate to that end. The European Union also welcomes the dialogue between the UN Secretary-General and the Government of Iraq.

The European Union regrets that, as a result of Iraq's failure to fulfil its international obligations, the conditions do not exist which would enable the Council to lift the prohibitions imposed under resolution 687. The European Union urges Iraq to cooperate in all respects with the United Nations, and reiterates the demand that Iraq allows UNMOVIC and IAEA to undertake the responsibilities mandated by the Security Council and enables them to initiate their work in Iraq as soon as possible.

Until the fulfilment of Iraq of the relevant Security Council resolutions, there is a clear need, as a temporary measure, to provide for the civilian needs of the Iraqi people. The European Union has strong sympathy for the fate of the Iraqi population, and remains the largest contributor of humanitarian aid and assistance to Iraq.

Though not meant to meet all the needs of the Iraqi people, the European Union notes that the UN humanitarian programme, as reported by the Secretary-General on 18 May, has contributed not only to arresting the decline but also to improving the living conditions of the average Iraqi. Important measures have also been taken lately, including in resolutions 1284, 1302 and 1330, to further improve the implementation of the oil-for-food-programme. However, the humanitarian situation in Iraq remains alarming, calling for ambitious measures aimed at alleviating the suffering among the population. In particular, measures to stimulate normal activity in the civilian sectors of the Iraqi economy are vital.

Lasting security and stability in the region, as well as the living conditions of the Iraqi population, are the prime considerations that must guide the Security Council's actions. In this regard, the European Union welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 1352 on 1 June 2001. We find particularly important the commitment by the whole Security Council membership to consider new arrangements for the supply of commodities and products to Iraq and for the facilitation of civilian trade and economic cooperation with Iraq in civilian sectors. The two principles outlined have full EU support, ie that such a system should i) improve the flow of commodities and products to Iraq, with the exception of those covered under resolution 687 and those included in the so-called Goods Review List, and ii) improve the controls to prevent the sale or supply of items prohibited and unauthorised by the Council and to prevent the flow of revenues to Iraq outside the escrow account. The European Union hopes that this new system will enhance transparency and allow Iraq to import the full range of civilian goods with the minimum of restrictions necessary to ensure that military-related items are not exported to Iraq.

The European Union welcomes the intention by the Security Council to adopt and implement such arrangements for a period beginning on 4 July. We strongly support the ongoing deliberations within the Council with the purpose of alleviating the predicament of the Iraqi civilian population. We encourage the Security Council to adopt, in accordance with 1352, a decision on the new arrangements as soon as possible.