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As you may be aware, the aftermath of the US/UK bombing of Iraq last December led to renewed activity within the Security Council, including attempts to draft resolutions outlining new ways forward. Russia and France quickly prepared texts, followed by the British-Dutch proposal. My understanding is that Russia and China now support with French text, with the US supporting the Anglo-Dutch proposal (along with many of the non-permanent members). The French Embassy in the UK has posted details of its proposals to their website at, http://www.ambafrance.org.uk/db.phtml?id=3093 A precis follows. I add editorial notes in [] ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. New Control Commission A new "Control Commission" would replace Unscom and assume Unscom's responsibilities. It would retain professionals from "as many different nations as possible", the UN itself would employ them, and the Commission's funding would be increased. [seems designed to increase the CC's independence] 2. Mechanism for suspending the sanctions Once the Secretary-General indicated that the CC was in place, operating and supported by the Iraqi Government, civilian (non-military, non-dual use) sanctions would be suspended for 100 days. The Security Council could continue the suspension in 100 day phases if the S-G continued to indicate approval. The S-G could unilaterally decide to restore the sanctions. [presumably sanctions' lifting still governed by SCR 687] 3. Comprehensive supervision (transparent account and five controls) The S-G would design a mechanism to ensure that, once sanctions were suspended, military and dual-use imports did not occur. UN monitors would verify Iraq reports of oil sales, customs experts would inspect imports, the Iraqi Central Bank would use a "transparent" account established by the S-G; the IMF would monitor Iraq's balance of payments. Two customs experts would have ten days to place a hold on proposed Iraqi imports, otherwise they would be permitted; appeals would be ruled on by three new experts. 4. Humanitarian measures [these seem to refer to the case in which sanctions are NOT suspended] The Humanitarian Panel recommendations to be fully implemented, where possible. The export cap fully lifted. Spare parts approved more rapidly; the Sanctions Committee deciding on humanitarian contracts within two working days. Foreign companies to work in Iraq under UN control (revenues into the escrow account). A suspension of the interest payments on funds in the escrow account. A "green list" of approved items (food, meds, agricultural and educational supplies), importable upon notification of the S-G. Escrow account can purchase local (Iraqi) goods. Iraqi cultural isolation reduced, pilgrimages allowed. 1/3 of funds to Compensation Fund loaned to humanitarian accounts (repayable). 5. Prisoners and missing persons from the Gulf war Cooperation by the Government of Iraq with the International Committee of the Red Cross. Iraqi property abroad remains frozen until S-G indicates complete Iraqi compliance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Colin Rowat Coordinator, Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq http://linux.clare.cam.ac.uk/casi (or) welcome.to/casi *********************************************** * Support the: * * NATIONAL PETITION AGAINST SANCTIONS ON IRAQ * * http://go.to/iraqpetition * * or: 12 Trinity Road, London N2 8JJ * * or: iraqpetition@email.com * *********************************************** King's College Cambridge CB2 1ST tel: +44 (0)468 056 984 England fax: +44 (0)1223 335 219 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a discussion list run by the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq. To be removed/added, email soc-casi-discuss-request@lists.cam.ac.uk, NOT the whole list. Please do not sent emails with attached files to the list *** Archived at http://linux.clare.cam.ac.uk/~saw27/casi/discuss.html ***