Russia and France, along with many elected members, were critical of the Iraq sanctions and tried to lift or substantially reform them. The United States and the UK used their political muscle and veto power to keep sanctions in force and to allow minor reforms, until they decided to lift them in May 2003, after the war and occupation.
France
and Russia Prepare For Battle Over UN Sanctions (April 18, 2003)
President George W. Bush urged the UN to lift the sanctions on Iraq. But Permanent
Security Council member Russia stated that sanctions would not be lifted until
it is certain that Iraq does not possess weapons of mass destruction. (Independent)
Bush Urges End to Iraq
Sanctions (April 17, 2003) President George W. Bush urged the
United Nations to lift economic sanctions against Iraq. Security Council members
will probably debate this issue, fearing that lifting the sanctions will result
in the US gaining full control over Iraq's oil. (New York Times)
Germany
to Chair UN Commission on Sanctions against Iraq (January 8, 2003)
The Security Council elected Germany to take over the chair of the Iraq Sanctions
Committee, a task that Germany already assumed during its previous term in the
Security Council in 1995-1996. After much pressure from France and Russia, the
US dropped its opposition to the election. (Itar-Tass)
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