1999
UN Council Adopts Critical Resolution on Iraq (December 17, 1999)
The Security Council passes Resolution 1284; establishes the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) to replace the UN Special Commission (UNSCOM) and lifts the ceiling on the Oil for Food Program. China, France, Malaysia and the Russian Federation abstain.(New York Times)
Key Points in UN Resolution on Iraq (December 17, 1999)
The UN Security Council's new landmark resolution on Iraq would restart arms inspections in Iraq and suspend trade sanctions if Baghdad complies with disarmament demands.
Security Council Backs Off Again on Vote on Inspections for Iraq (December 14, 1999)
New York Times article outlines the differing positions on Iraq arms inspection policy.
Iraq Vote Discredits United Nations - France (December 7, 1999)
France abstains from Security Council vote and is described as "furious" that the oil-for-food program has been cut to 1 week. (Reuters/Amman Jordan Times)
With Talks on Iraq Stalled, US May Seek Key UN Vote Terms for Resumption of Weapons Inspections in Dispute (November 27, 1999)
An article from Washington Post about the US effort to send UN weapons inspectors back to Iraq, in spite of the abortive UN talks over Iraq policy.
Tempers Flare in UN Council Over Stalemate on Iraq Issue (November 20, 1999)
New York Times article about Security Council debate over extension of the oil-for-food program. Provides quote from Netherlands Ambassador Van Walsum's statement.
Security Council Extends Iraq 'Oil-for-Food' Program Until December 4 (November 19, 1999)
A fierce battle in the Council has blocked the US plan for a six-month extension of the oil-for-food program. Instead, the Council has extended it only for two weeks, in a clear effort to press for a comprehensive new program. The barbed comments of the Dutch ambassador and the reference to the "hereditary five" reveal the enormous frustration of the Council's elected members at US obstruction and the secret negotiations of the P-5.
Hopes to Find a Compromise for Iraq Fade at the UN (September 22, 1999)
Deadlock in the UN Security Council with the US and Russia holding divergent views on how to monitor Iraqi weapons programs and over conditions for the lifting of Iraqi sanctions. (New York Times)
Major UN Powers Divided on Lifting Iraq Sanctions (September 20, 1999)
A Associated Press and Reuters article about differing views of the P5 on Iraq sanctions policy.
Security Council Trying to Strike Deal on New Terms to Offer Iraq (September 16, 1999)
New York Times article on new developments in the Security Council raising hopes for a landmark agreement on UN policy toward Iraq and the easing of sanctions.
Keeping Score in Iraq (August 4, 1999)
Al-Ahram article on the failure of the UN Security Council to reach a unanimous agreement on a proposal to restart discussions with Iraq, speculating that the failure will give "hope" to Saddam Hussein.
Two UN Proposals to Lift Sanctions (July 26, 1999)
Nation article on two UN proposals to lift Iraqi sanctions, the Anglo-Dutch draft including a stronger UNSCOM force and the Russian-Chinese draft only requiring monitoring weapons of mass destruction.
US Backs British-Dutch Plan to Partially Lift Iraq Sanctions (June 17, 1999)
Following Britain's suit, the US decided to support a plan which would lift restrictions on Iraqi exports in exchange for allowing renewed UN inspections with full Iraqi compliance, according to the New York Times.
Britain Floating Plan to Suspend Iraq Sanctions (June 16, 1999)
Britain has changed its position on the issues of sanctions against Iraq, leaving "the United States alone among permanent members of the Security Council in opposing the suspension or lifting of sanctions." (Associated Press)
Europeans May Ease Iraq Sanctions (May 19, 1999)
US has not rejected the proposal by British and Dutch, to allow foreign investments on Iraq's oil industry if Iraq let the UN inspections resume and provide unconditional and unrestricted access.
UN Council Still Far Apart on Iraq (May 11, 1999)
Russia, with France and China, has offered a resolution to lift the oil embargo once a monitor for Iraq's weapons programs is in place. Britain and the Netherlands also proposed a resolution that reflects the U.S. position, but the US officials say they still can't agree to that resolution.
Iraq Rejects Panels' Efforts to End Impasse on Security Council (April 9, 1999)
Baghdad would not accept any further arms inspections unless economic sanctions imposed after its defeat in the 1991 Persian Gulf War were lifted.
U.N. Security Council Debates New Policy on Iraq (April 8, 1999)
Ambassador Amorim of Brazil presented a report on the panels held in January to make recommendations on Iraq issues.
U.N. Security Council Debates New Policy on Iraq (April 8, 1999)
Ambassador Amorim of Brazil presented a report on the panels held in January to make recommendations on Iraq issues.
U.N. Wants End to 'Oil for Food' Program (February 25, 1999)
The Security Council is discussing doing away with the program in the interest of improving the humanitarian situation in Iraq. Critics dismiss efforts as academic exercises unless talk is made into action.
U.S. Backs a 3-Part Review of Iraq-U.N. Relations (January 28, 1999)
Canadian proposal gains momentum.
Canada Proposes a 'Third Way' to Deal With the Iraqis (January 23, 1999)
An attempt to end the current gridlock in the Security Council, the proposal calls for assessments of the status of Iraq's disarmament and humanitarian situation.
Russia Presents Plan to End Iraqi Oil Embargo, Replace UNSCOM (January 16, 1999)
The new Russian proposal calls for more UN involvement in the overseeing of Iraq's demilitarization. It responds to international frustration with US influence over Butler and his team .
Council Deliberates on Iraq (January 15, 1999)
First serious discussions on how the SC is to resume monitoring Baghdad's weapons programs while improving the humanitarian situation for the Iraqi people.
U.S. Wants Iraq Oil Ceiling Lifted (January 14, 1999)
Springboarding from the French proposal, the administration insists this would be an expansion of oil-for-food and not a lifting of sanctions.
France, in Break with US, Urges End to Iraq Embargo (January 14, 1999)
More details and responses on France's proposal for Iraq Embargo.
France Presents Iraq Embargo Plan (January 13, 1999)
France outlines a proposal to ease the oil embargo on Iraq, while also establishing a weapons monitoring program.
U.S. More Isolated in U.N. on Keeping the Iraq Sanctions (January 12, 1999)
A growing number of Security Council members and Arab nations support lifting an embargo on Iraqi oil sales or significantly relaxing sanctions in other ways to relieve the suffering of the Iraqi people.
1998
US Rejects Demands to Dump Butler (December 24, 1998)
US defends Mr. Richard Butler from the demands of Iraq as well as Russia, France, and China that he be removed from UNSCOM. (Sydney Morning Herald)
US Seems Ready to Accept a UN Review of Iraqi Sanctions (December 7, 1998)
Despite Iraq's non-compliance with the UN inspections, US and UK move towards comprehensive review in the hope that they can maintain the sanctions.
UN Vote Condemns Iraq Without Mentioning Force (November 8, 1998)
The position of the Security Council could allow the United States to increase its pressure on Iraq.
Security Council Outlines New Strategy on Iraq Arms (0ctober 30,1998)
New policy will hinge on Iraqi co-operation.
