DATE=12/3/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N-IRAQ OIL (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-256823
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:


INTRO:  The United Nations Security Council today 
(Friday) extended, for one week, Iraq's "oil-for-food" 
program. At the United Nations, VOA Correspondent 
Breck Ardery reports the move is viewed as an effort 
to speed-up a Council decision on a more comprehensive 
resolution on Iraq. 


TEXT:  The resolution, sponsored by the United States, 
was passed by a vote of 11 in favor, three abstentions 
including China, Malaysia and Russia and France not 
participating in the vote.

Diplomats say the one-week extension of the oil for 
food program will pressure the five permanent members 
of the Security Council to agree on a comprehensive 
resolution on Iraq. That comprehensive resolution, 
which has been under discussion for several months, 
would lift sanctions against Iraq in exchange for the 
return of weapons inspectors there.

Peter Burleigh, the Deputy Chief of the U-S Mission to 
the United Nations, expressed optimism that 
comprehensive resolution will be approved next week. 

            ///Burleigh act///

      This resolution ensures that essential 
      humanitarian assistance can continue while the 
      Security Council prepares for adoption of a 
      comprehensive resolution on Iraq next week.


            ///end act///

But other Council members expressed doubt that a 
comprehensive resolution could be ready for a vote 
within a week and several, including Russia and 
Malaysia emphasized there should be no linkage between 
the oil-for-food program and a comprehensive 
resolution on Iraq.

France dismissed the one-week extension resolution as 
impractical. Speaking with the aid of an English 
translator, France's ambassador Alain Dejammet 
explained why his country refused to participate in 
the vote.

            ///Dejammet act - Translator///

      This resolution should not have been put to a 
      vote. I would like to recall that in certain 
      very rare cases texts which we know will not be 
      applied and do not have the full authority of 
      the Council should no be put to a vote. We 
      should not take part in an exercise which is 
      materially unworkable.


            ///end act///

Diplomats say refusal to participate in a vote is the 
only way, short of a veto, for a permanent member of 
the U-N Security Council to show its strong 
disagreement.

Iraq rejected the resolution in advance, saying it is 
an "evil proposal." Iraq previously rejected a two-
week extension of the oil-for-food program which was 
passed by the Security Council on November 19th. Iraq 
has exported no oil since then.(Signed)

 
NEB/UN/BA/PT 



03-Dec-1999 19:16 PM EDT (04-Dec-1999 0016 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.