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New Proposals on Iraq Introduced at the UN
On February 24, 2003, key UN Security Council members submitted competing proposals for dealing with Iraq's failure to disarm, following reports from UN inspectors that indicated Iraq is improving cooperation in some areas but has failed so far to satisfactorily comply with UN resolutions.
The United Kingdom introduced a draft resolution, co-signed by the United States and Spain, that many diplomats and analysts have seen as a step toward war against Iraq. The resolution says Iraq has submitted "false statements" and "failed to take the final opportunity afforded to it by resolution 1441," through which the council provided Iraq a final chance to disarm. Resolution 1441 says Iraq will "face serious consequences" if it fails to comply with its disarmament obligations.
On the same day, Russia and France submitted a memorandum that says military action against Iraq "should only be a last resort" and that to date "the conditions for using force against Iraq are not fulfilled." The memorandum, which also has China's support, says there is no evidence to prove Iraq possesses weapons of mass destruction and calls for measures to strengthen inspections, such as increasing the number of inspectors. (See ACT, March 2003.)
Following is the text of the documents:
Draft Resolution by the United Kingdom, the United States, and Spain
February 24, 2003
The Security Council,
PP1: Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions, in particular its resolutions 661 (1990) of 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, 1284 (1999) of 17 December 1999 and 1441 (2002) of 8 November 2002, and all the relevant statements of its President,
PP2: 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,
PP3: Recalling that its resolution 1441 (2002), while deciding that Iraq has been and remains in material breach of its obligations, afforded Iraq a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations under relevant resolutions,
PP4: Recalling that in its resolution 1441 (2002) the Council decided that false statements or omissions in the declaration submitted by Iraq pursuant to that resolution and failure by Iraq at any time to comply with, and co-operate fully in the implementation of, that resolution, would constitute a further material breach,
PP5: Noting, in that context, that in its resolution 1441 (2002), the Council recalled that it has repeatedly warned Iraq that it will face serious consequences as a result of its continued violations of its obligations,
PP6: Noting that Iraq has submitted a declaration pursuant to its resolution 1441 (2002) containing false statements and omissions and has failed to comply with, and co-operate fully in the implementation of, that resolution,
PP7: Reaffirming the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, Kuwait, and the neighboring States,
PP8: Mindful of its primary responsibility under the Charter of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security,
PP9: Recognizing the threat Iraq’s non-compliance with Council resolutions and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles poses to international peace and security,
PP10: Determined to secure full compliance with its decisions and to restore international peace and security in the area,
PP11: Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
OP1: Decides that Iraq has failed to take the final opportunity afforded to it by resolution 1441 (2002);
OP2: Decides to remain seized of the matter.
Source: United States Mission to the United Nations
Memorandum from France and Russia
February 24, 2003
1. Full and effective disarmament in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions remains the imperative objective of the international community. Our priority should be to achieve this peacefully through the inspection regime. The military option should only be a last resort. So far, the conditions for using force against Iraq are not fulfilled:
- While suspicions remain, no evidence has been given that Iraq still possesses weapons of mass destruction or capabilities in this field;
- Inspections have just reached their full pace; they are functioning without hindrance; they have already produced results;
- While not yet fully satisfactory, Iraqi co-operation is improving, as mentioned by the chief inspectors in their last report.
2. The Security Council must step up its efforts to give a real chance to the peaceful settlement of the crisis. In this context, the following conditions are of paramount importance:
- the unity of the Security Council must be preserved;
- the pressure that is put on Iraq must be increased.
3. These conditions can be met, and our common objective—the verifiable disarmament of Iraq—can be reached through the implementation of the following proposals:
A. Clear program of action for the inspections:
According to resolution 1284, UNMOVIC and IAEA have to submit their program of work for approval of the Council. The presentation of this program of work should be speeded up, in particular the key remaining disarmament tasks to be completed by Iraq pursuant to its obligations to comply with the disarmament requirements of resolution 687 (1991) and other related resolutions.
The key remaining tasks shall be defined according to their degree of priority. What is required of Iraq for implementation of each task shall be clearly defined and precise.
Such a clear identification of tasks to be completed will oblige Iraq to cooperate more actively. It will also provide a clear means for the Council to assess the co-operation of Iraq.
B. Reinforced inspections:
Resolution 1441 established an intrusive and reinforced system of inspections. In this regard, all possibilities have not yet been explored. Further measures to strengthen inspections could include, as exemplified in the French non paper previously communicated to the chief inspectors, the following: increase and diversification of staff an expertise; establishment of mobile units designed in particular to check on trucks; completion of the new system of aerial surveillance; systematic processing of data provided by the newly established system of aerial surveillance.
C. Timelines for inspections and assessment:
Within the framework of resolution 1284 and 1441, the implementation of the program of work shall be sequenced according to a realistic and rigorous timeline:
- the inspectors should be asked to submit the program of work outlining the key substantive tasks for Iraq to accomplish, including missiles / delivery systems, chemical weapons / precursors, biological weapons / material and nuclear weapons in the context of the report due March 1st;
- the chief inspectors shall report to the Council on implementation of the program of work on a regular basis (every 3 weeks);
- a report of UNMOVIC and IAEA assessing the progress made in completing the tasks shall be submitted by the inspectors 120 days after the adoption of the program of work according to resolution 1284;
- at any time, according to paragraph 11 of resolution 1441, the executive Chairman of UNMOVIC and the Director General of the IAEA shall report immediately to the Council any interference by Iraq with inspections activities as well as failure by Iraq to comply with its disarmament obligations;
- at any time, additional meetings of the Security Council could be decided, including at high level.
To render possible a peaceful solution inspections should be given the necessary time and resources. However, they can not continue indefinitely. Iraq must disarm. Its full and active co-operation is necessary. This must include the provision of all the additional and specific information on issues raised by the inspectors as well as compliance with their requests, as expressed in particular in Mr. Blix’ letter of February 21st 2003. The combination of a clear program of action, reinforced inspections, a clear timeline and the military build-up provide a realistic means to reunite the Security Council and to exert maximum pressure on Iraq.
Source: Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations