Inspections required to end sanctions, UN says

boston globe ^ | 4/12/03 | Elizabeth Neuffer

[knak]

UNITED NATIONS - Crippling sanctions on war-torn Iraq cannot be lifted yet because United Nations resolutions require that weapons inspectors first verify that Iraq is free of banned deadly weapons, Security Council diplomats said yesterday.

The UN sanctions on Iraq, mandated by a series of resolutions passed since the 1991 Gulf War, restrict both the flow of goods into the country as well as the sale of Iraqi oil, a combination that could stall efforts to rebuild the country. The embargo was intended to punish Saddam Hussein's regime, but it legally applies to anyone now in charge of Iraq, UN diplomats say.

[knak]

Grrr!

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[Zipporah]

"..The embargo was intended to punish Saddam Hussein's regime, but it legally applies to anyone now in charge of Iraq, UN diplomats say."

Are these people nuts or what?

[Fitzcarraldo]

Guess what - Iraq'l pass the UN requirements with flying colors after we're done.

[EaglesUpForever]

Well, let's just violate the sanctions as France, Syria and Russia probably did. The sooner we abandon the UN the better. They want us to follow their rules but they don't even follow their own rules.

[Tax Government]

Declare war on the U.N. What else is left?

[Ecliptic]

It won't happen...

[crobnson]

Let the quagmire begin!!

[abner]

This is so easy. Blix found none. Lift the sanctions.

[Enterprise]

"Last week, Blix told reporters: ''On short notice we would be operational again."

I think blitzed forgot that he publicly announced his resignation. We publicly accept. Buzz off ya dingbat!

[Marylander]

This is a great opportunity to show the UN is truly irrelevant. If it does not lift sanctions, just ignore it. Publicly. What will the UN do about that? Nothing.

[Drango]

So how is the UN gonna stop Iraq and the US from selling the oil? Pass a resolution? Stern looks? If we sell the oil, will they send troops into the US and Iraq? Give me a break...

[Prince Charles]

The Allies will proudly pump as much oil as they want -- after all, there's no way the Axis of Weasels can pass a resolution that says we would be in violation. The US and the UK can veto any such attempt. :-)

[dalereed]

Take all of the Iraq oil and ship it here!

Send in the supplies that are necessary for rebuilding.

Tell the rest of the world and especially the UN to take a flying leap at a rolling donut!

Vaporize anyone that attempts to stop us!

[the Real fifi]

It is one thing to make such stupid claims to a lefty paper like the Globe. It is another thing to stand up in public and make such a preposterous claim. I predict this will not happen. What this IS about is France, Germany and Russia playing games to protect their countries' commercial interests in Iraq(and the rearends of their leaders).

[Enterprise]

"Yesterday, Blix and other UN weapons inspectors lamented the possible loss of key documents to looting."

Don't worry. The Russians have them, along with other incriminating documents.

[Enterprise]

Iraq managed quite well to get around sanctions. I think the U.S. can too. We'll build massive oil tankers and make them look like Aircraft Carriers, load 'em up, and sail away.

[knak]

I just found this, but didn't want to post "crap" on the main page

Will US fabricate WMD evidence?

It's starting already! This one is from our favorite al-jazeera

[Yankee]

Tell 'em to shove it!

Mr. President, drive the stake.

Kill the UN for the good of mankind.

[Teacher317]

ROFL! Please, by all means, try to look like you have a spine now, UN! Refuse to buy any Iraqi oil, PLEASE! The UK and US will somehow have to squeak by on the oil they sell us, at a lower price (since demand for it is down globally!), in a far more efficient and environmentally-friendly manner (now that our input will be respected). We'll be less dependent upon the rest of the Arab world's oil, prices come down, profits going to Iraq's infrastructure explode, and the proceeds actually DO go to buy food and medicine for the Iraqis. Then they can get on their feet, and become a more vibrant economic entity.

Yes, UN, making this legalistic "principled" stand now is definitely the smart thing to do! LOL!