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Politics : Attack Iraq? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: calgal who wrote (2865)11/7/2002 5:32:13 PM
From: calgal  Respond to of 8683
 
Raw Data: Text of U.S. Draft Resolution

URL:http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,69380,00.html






Thursday, November 07, 2002

The following is the U.S. draft resolution on Iraq which was cosponsored by Britain and officially submitted to the Security Council Wednesday:





Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions, in particular its resolutions 661 (1990) of 6 August 1990, 678 (1990) of 29 November 1990, 686 (1991) of 2 March 1991, 687 (1991) of 3 April 1991, 688 (1991) of 5 April 1991, 707 (1991) of 15 August 1991, 715 (1991) of 11 October 1991, 986 (1995) of 14 April 1995, and 1284 (1999) of 17 December 1999, and all the relevant statements of its president,

Recalling also its resolution 1382 (2001) of 29 November 2001 and its intention to implement it fully,

Recognizing the threat Iraq's noncompliance with council resolutions and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles poses to international peace and security,

Recalling that its resolution 678 (1990) authorized member states to use all necessary means to uphold and implement its resolution 660 (1990) of 2 August 1990 and all relevant resolutions subsequent to resolution 660 (1990) and to restore international peace and security in the area,

Further recalling that its resolution 687 (1991) imposed obligations on Iraq as a necessary step for achievement of its stated objective of restoring international peace and security in the area,

Deploring the fact that Iraq has not provided an accurate, full, final, and complete disclosure, as required by resolution 687 (1991), of all aspects of its programs to develop weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles with a range greater than 150 kilometers, and of all holdings of such weapons, their components and production facilities and locations, as well as all other nuclear programs, including any which it claims are for purposes not related to nuclear-weapons-usable material,

Deploring further that Iraq repeatedly obstructed immediate, unconditional, and unrestricted access to sites designated by the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), failed to cooperate fully and unconditionally with UNSCOM and IAEA weapons inspectors, as required by resolution 687 (1991), and ultimately ceased all cooperation with UNSCOM and the IAEA in 1998,

Deploring the absence, since December 1998, in Iraq of international monitoring, inspection, and verification, as required by relevant resolutions, of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles, in spite of the council's repeated demands that Iraq provide immediate, unconditional, and unrestricted access to the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), established in resolution 1284 (1999) as the successor organization to UNSCOM, and the IAEA, and regretting the consequent prolonging of the crisis in the region and the suffering of the Iraqi people,

Deploring also that the Government of Iraq has failed to comply with its commitments pursuant to resolution 687 (1991) with regard to terrorism, pursuant to resolution 688 (1991) to end repression of its civilian population and to provide access by international humanitarian organizations to all those in need of assistance in Iraq, and pursuant to resolutions 686 (1991), 687 (1991), and 1284 (1999) to return or cooperate in accounting for Kuwaiti and third country nationals wrongfully detained by Iraq, or to return Kuwaiti property wrongfully seized by Iraq,

Recalling that in its resolution 687 (1991) the council declared that a ceasefire would be based on acceptance by Iraq of the provisions of that resolution, including the obligations on Iraq contained therein,

Determined to ensure full and immediate compliance by Iraq without conditions or restrictions with its obligations under resolution 687 (1991) and other relevant resolutions and recalling that the resolutions of the council constitute the governing standard of Iraqi compliance,

Recalling that the effective operation of UNMOVIC, as the successor organization to the Special Commission, and the IAEA, is essential for the implementation of resolution 687 (1991) and other relevant resolutions,

Noting the letter dated 16 September 2002 from the minister for foreign affairs of Iraq addressed to the secretary-general is a necessary first step toward rectifying Iraq's continued failure to comply with relevant council resolutions,

Noting further the letter dated 8 October 2002 from the executive chairman of UNMOVIC and the director general of the IAEA to General Al-Saadi of the government of Iraq laying out the practical arrangements, as a follow-up to their meeting in Vienna, that are prerequisites for the resumption of inspections in Iraq by UNMOVIC and the IAEA, and expressing the gravest concern at the continued failure by the government of Iraq to provide confirmation of the arrangements as laid out in that letter,

Reaffirming the commitment of all member states to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, Kuwait, and the neighboring states,

Commending the secretary-general and the members of the League of Arab States and its secretary-general for their efforts in this regard,

Determined to secure full compliance with its decisions,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Decides that Iraq has been and remains in material breach of its obligations under relevant resolutions, including resolution 687 (1991), in particular through Iraq's failure to cooperate with United Nations inspectors and the IAEA, and to complete the actions required under paragraphs 8 to 13 of resolution 687 (1991);

2. Decides, while acknowledging paragraph 1 above, to afford Iraq, by this resolution, a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations under relevant resolutions of the council; and accordingly decides to set up an enhanced inspection regime with the aim of bringing to full and verified completion the disarmament process established by resolution 687 (1991) and subsequent resolutions of the council;

3. Decides that, in order to begin to comply with its disarmament obligations, in addition to submitting the required biannual declarations, the government of Iraq shall provide to UNMOVIC, the IAEA, and the council, not later than 30 days from the date of this resolution, a currently accurate, full, and complete declaration of all aspects of its programs to develop chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles, and other delivery systems such as unmanned aerial vehicles and dispersal systems designed for use on aircraft, including any holdings and precise locations of such weapons, components, sub-components, stocks of agents, and related material and equipment, the locations and work of its research, development and production facilities, as well as all other chemical, biological, and nuclear programs, including any which it claims are for purposes not related to weapon production or material;

4. Decides that false statements or omissions in the declarations submitted by Iraq pursuant to this resolution and failure by Iraq at any time to comply with, and cooperate fully in the implementation of, this resolution shall constitute a further material breach of Iraq's obligations and will be reported to the council for assessment in accordance with paragraph 11 or 12 below;

5. Decides that Iraq shall provide UNMOVIC and the IAEA immediate, unimpeded, unconditional, and unrestricted access to any and all, including underground, areas, facilities, buildings, equipment, records, and means of transport which they wish to inspect, as well as immediate, unimpeded, unrestricted, and private access to all officials and other persons whom UNMOVIC or the IAEA wish to interview in the mode or location of UNMOVIC's or the IAEA's choice pursuant to any aspect of their mandates; further decides that UNMOVIC and the IAEA may at their discretion conduct interviews inside or outside of Iraq, may facilitate the travel of those interviewed and family members outside of Iraq, and that, at the sole discretion of UNMOVIC and the IAEA, such interviews may occur without the presence of observers from the Iraqi government; and instructs UNMOVIC and requests the IAEA to resume inspections no later than 45 days following adoption of this resolution and to update the council 60 days thereafter;

6. Endorses the 8 October 2002 letter from the executive chairman of UNMOVIC and the director general of the IAEA to General Al-Saadi of the government of Iraq, which is annexed hereto, and decides that the contents of the letter shall be binding upon Iraq;

7. Decides further that, in view of the prolonged interruption by Iraq of the presence of UNMOVIC and the IAEA and in order for them to accomplish the tasks set forth in this resolution and all previous relevant resolutions and notwithstanding prior understandings, the council hereby establishes the following revised or additional authorities, which shall be binding upon Iraq, to facilitate their work in Iraq:

—UNMOVIC and the IAEA shall determine the composition of their inspection teams and ensure that these teams are composed of the most qualified and experienced experts available;

—All UNMOVIC and IAEA personnel shall enjoy the privileges and immunities provided in the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the IAEA;

—UNMOVIC and the IAEA shall have unrestricted rights of entry into and out of Iraq, the right to free, unrestricted, and immediate movement to and from inspection sites, and the right to inspect any sites and buildings, including immediate, unimpeded, unconditional, and unrestricted access to presidential sites equal to that at other sites, notwithstanding the provisions of resolution 1154 (1998);

—UNMOVIC and the IAEA shall have the right to be provided by Iraq the names of all personnel currently and formerly associated with Iraq's chemical, biological, nuclear, and ballistic missile programs and the associated research, development, and production facilities;

—Security of UNMOVIC and IAEA facilities shall be ensured by sufficient U.N. security guards:

—UNMOVIC and the IAEA shall have the right to declare for the purposes of freezing a site to be inspected, exclusion zones, including surrounding areas and transit corridors, in which Iraq will suspend ground and aerial movement so that nothing is changed in or taken out of a site being inspected;

—UNMOVIC and the IAEA shall have the free and unrestricted use and landing of fixed and rotary winged aircraft, including manned and unmanned reconnaissance vehicles:

—UNMOVIC and the IAEA shall have the right at their sole discretion verifiably to remove, destroy, or render harmless all prohibited weapons, subsystems, components, records, materials, and other related items, and the right to impound or close any facilities or equipment for the production thereof; and

—UNMOVIC and the IAEA shall have the right to free import and use of equipment or materials for inspections and to seize and export any equipment, materials, or documents taken during inspections, without search of UNMOVIC or IAEA personnel or official or personal baggage;

8. Decides further that Iraq shall not take or threaten hostile acts directed against any representative or personnel of the United Nations or of any member state taking action to uphold any council resolution;

9. Requests the secretary-general immediately to notify Iraq of this resolution, which is binding on Iraq; demands that Iraq confirm within seven days of that notification its intention to comply fully with this resolution; and demands further that Iraq cooperate immediately, unconditionally, and actively with UNMOVIC and the IAEA;

10. Requests all member states to give full support to UNMOVIC and the IAEA in the discharge of their mandates, including by providing any information related to prohibited programs or other aspects of their mandates; including on Iraqi attempts since 1998 to acquire prohibited items, and by recommending sites to be inspected, persons to be interviewed, conditions of such interviews, and data to be collected, the results of which shall be reported to the council by UNMOVIC and the IAEA;

11. Directs the executive chairman of UNMOVIC and the director general of the IAEA to report immediately to the council any interference by Iraq with inspection activities, as well as any failure by Iraq to comply with its disarmament obligations, including its obligations regarding inspections under this resolution;

12. Decides to convene immediately upon receipt of a report in accordance with paragraphs 4 or 11 above, in order to consider the situation and the need for full compliance with all of the relevant council resolutions in order to restore international peace and security;

13. Recalls, in that context, that the council has repeatedly warned Iraq that it will face serious consequences as a result of its continued violations of its obligations;

14. Decides to remain seized of the matter.



To: calgal who wrote (2865)11/7/2002 5:34:05 PM
From: calgal  Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 8683
 
U.S., France Agree on New Iraq Resolution


URL: foxnews.com





Thursday, November 07, 2002

UNITED NATIONS — The United States and France reached agreement Thursday on a new Security Council resolution on Iraq, removing a key hurdle toward passage of the U.S.-drafted plan for tough new weapons inspections.





French diplomats said the compromise was reached through negotiations at the United Nations and in telephone calls between President Bush and French President Jacques Chirac over the last day.

According to French diplomats, the United States agreed to change wording in a key provision that would declare Iraq in "material breach" of its U.N. obligations. The change addresses French and Russian concerns that the original wording could be used as a hidden trigger for an attack on Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

Russia, like France, appeared also to be softening its position in favor of the American draft.

The latest American text, a product of eight weeks of intense lobbying by the Bush Administration, signaled significant progress and included major concessions to Security Council members concerned about setting off another war in Iraq.

Bush said he wanted a vote Friday although Syria wanted it postponed because of an Arab League meeting this weekend in Egypt.

Bush also spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday as lobbying intensified a day before Washington planned to push for a vote on the resolution in the Security Council.

Council members were expecting U.S. and British diplomats to circulate a revised text later Thursday with the new wording.

Russian Ambassador Sergey Lavrov told The Associated Press a Friday vote was possible if the United States and Britain come up with a few more concessions. U.S. and British diplomats said a new version could be ready by the end of the day Thursday.

The U.S. draft resolution includes a greater role for the Security Council but still frees the United States to take military action against Iraq if inspectors say it isn't complying.

In Iraq, the government-controlled media called the draft resolution a pretext for war and urged the Security Council not to bow to American demands.

"America wants to use this resolution as a pretext and a cover for its aggression on Iraq and the whole Arab nation," the ruling Baath Party newspaper Al-Thawra said Thursday. "The Security Council should not give (the Americans) a pretext and a cover for the coming aggression."

The council vote would give Iraq until Nov. 15 to accept the resolution's terms and could put an advance team of inspectors on the ground — for the first time in nearly four years — by the end of the month.

According to a strict timeline in the resolution, inspectors would have up to 45 days to actually begin work, and must report to the council 60 days later on Iraq's performance. In the meantime, any Iraqi obstructions or noncompliance would be reported immediately to the council for assessment.

At the same time, it offers Iraq the possibility of lifting a decade of crippling sanctions if it complies fully with its obligations.

U.S. Ambassador John Negroponte said the new resolution, co-sponsored with Britain, offered Iraq the best opportunity to avoid war.

For a resolution to be adopted, it needs at least nine "yes" votes and no veto by permanent members Russia, France, China, Britain and the United States. None of the five are likely to veto, though an abstention from Russia could hurt the resolution's credibility. U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has said the way to send a strong message to Iraq is through unity.

Syria, Iraq's Arab neighbor, appeared to be the most likely of the 15 council members who could abstain or vote against the resolution.

On Thursday, China's Foreign Ministry said it had noted improvements in the new draft, but wouldn't say whether China would endorse it.

"On the whole, we believe the new resolution takes into consideration some of the concerns and worries of other countries," spokesman Kong Quan said.

Negotiations for a new Iraq resolution began after Bush's Sept. 12 speech to the U.N. General Assembly, when he challenged world leaders to get tough with Iraq or stand aside as the United States acted.

The speech was followed by a toughly worded draft resolution that went through several revisions to address opposition from council members and inspectors.

The latest version softens one reference to Iraq being in "material breach" of its obligations to disarm under a decade of U.N. resolutions in place since the 1991 Persian Gulf War. But a second reference still bothers Russia and France which believe the legal term could be used to justify war.

A cornerstone of the U.S. proposal is a tough new inspections regime responsible for hunting for illicit weapons and reporting on any Iraqi failures to comply with its disarmament obligations.

It requires Iraq to provide inspectors with "immediate, unimpeded, unconditional, and unrestricted access to any and all" areas, including eight presidential sites, where advance notice was previously needed for inspections.

Inspectors can also decide whether to interview Iraqi scientists and government officials outside the country.



To: calgal who wrote (2865)11/8/2002 12:13:03 AM
From: calgal  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 8683
 
Security Council Vote on Iraq Friday


URL: foxnews.com





Thursday, November 07, 2002

UNITED NATIONS — President Bush expressed confidence in winning a U.N. Security Council vote Friday morning on a tough Iraq resolution, after the United States reached a critical agreement with France.





While Thursday's agreement offers concessions, it still meets President Bush's demands to toughen inspections and free the United States to take military action if inspectors say Iraq isn't complying.

Bush was confident of victory Thursday, referring to the resolution's adoption as a foregone conclusion. "When this resolution passes, I will be able to say that the United Nations has recognized the threat and now we're going to work together to disarm him."

The breakthrough came after the United States and cosponsor Britain changed the wording in two key provisions to satisfy French and Russian concerns that the resolution could automatically trigger an attack on Iraq.

Hours earlier, French President Jacques Chirac's office confirmed the agreement. French officials said it eliminated "ambiguities" that could be used to trigger an attack, and kept the Security Council as the key body in dealing with the Iraqi issue.

To get French and hopefully Russian support, the United States agreed to change the wording in a key provision that would declare Iraq in "material breach" of its U.N. obligations.

The change addresses concerns by France, Russia, Syria and others that the original wording would have let the United States determine on its own whether Iraq had committed an infraction. Such a determination, France and Russia feared, would have triggered an attack on Saddam.

The new wording requires U.N. weapons inspectors to make an assessment of any Iraqi violations.

Language in another key paragraph was also changed to account for Russian concerns of a second hidden trigger.

After distributing the final text to council members Thursday evening, U.S. Ambassador John Negroponte said there was "broad support" for the resolution.

While meeting U.S. demands, it also gives Iraqi President Saddam Hussein a last chance to cooperate with weapons inspectors, holds out the possibility of lifting 12-year-old sanctions imposed after Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait, and reaffirms the country's sovereignty.

The United States and Britain have been trying to get all 15 Security Council members to approve the new resolution to send a united message to Saddam Hussein — but Syria is likely to abstain, vote "no," or not vote at all.

Russian Ambassador Sergey Lavrov wouldn't say how his government will vote. But a U.S. administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed a "positive" message during a conversation with Bush on Thursday, assuring him that the resolution would pass without saying whether Russia would vote "yes" or abstain.

"We have heard the latest amendments," Lavrov said. "We got explanations that neither of the cosponsors interprets the language as containing automatic use of force, and we will be reporting this to our capitals."

Syria had asked for voting to be delayed until after an Arab foreign ministers meeting in Cairo this weekend — and it asked the council again to reconsider the timing of the vote.

Syria had repeatedly opposed any new resolution, but appeared to shift its position earlier Thursday when Syria's deputy U.N. Ambassador Fayssal Mekdad said Damascus would vote for the resolution if the United States accepted a number of changes on the hidden trigger issue and inspections.

After the U.S. introduced its final revisions late Thursday, however, he expressed disappointment that not all the changes Syria wanted were included. He wouldn't say how Syria will vote, explaining that he would be reporting back to Damascus.

The world body's chief weapons inspector, Hans Blix, said he's confident his team will be back in Iraq soon, after a nearly four-year absence.

He said a resolution supported by all 15 council members "strengthens our hand."

In Iraq, the government-controlled media called the draft resolution a pretext for war and urged the Security Council not to bow to American demands.

"America wants to use this resolution as a pretext and a cover for its aggression on Iraq and the whole Arab nation," the ruling Baath Party newspaper Al-Thawra said Thursday.

According to a strict timeline in the resolution, Iraq would have seven days to accept the resolution's terms. Blix has said an advance team of inspectors would be on the ground within 10 days.

Inspectors would have up to 45 days to actually begin work, and must report to the council 60 days later on Iraq's performance. In the meantime, any Iraqi obstructions or noncompliance would be reported immediately to the council for assessment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.