Mr President,
The question in front of us is not only whether Iraq is cooperating or not with the United Nations Special Commission and its weapons inspectors.
What we have seen is a clear refusal to abide by the decisions of the Security Council, and thereby also a challenge to the entire United Nations.
When the Council in October again demanded of Iraq to comply with its obligations, Iraq shortly thereafter set out unacceptable conditions for the work of Special Commission in the country.
The Security Council swiftly demanded that Iraq must rescind its decision. My government commends the Secretary-General for his initiative, which then followed, to send a high-level mission to Baghdad, to try to avert a potentially serious threat to international peace and security.
Regrettably, Iraq did not grasp this opportunity to find a solution to the crisis. Instead, it has continued to violate its obligations to cooperate fully and unconditionally with the Special Commission. In addition, it has implicitly threatened the safety of the reconnaissance aircraft operating on behalf of the Commission.
All this is in flagrant violation of Iraq's obligations under relevant resolutions. It warrants a firm and clear response from the Security Council.
My delegation feels that the draft resolution before us is an appropriate response, consistent with earlier Council resolutions. The measures will affect only those individuals who are responsible for, or participating in, instances of non-compliance. Innocent Iraqi civilians will not be affected. Through diplomatic means, the Iraqi government should now be made to understand that cooperation with the international community is in its own interest, and in the interest of the Iraqi people.
Mr. President,
It is the continuing and unanimous determination of this Council that Iraq's weapons of mass destruction must be eliminated. The draft resolution reflects that determination. It also underscores that full cooperation with the Special Commission, and implementation of the relevant resolutions, is the only way forward for having the sanctions lifted. If Iraq wants to find an audience for its grievances, it should not challenge the international community and provoke the United Nations, but cooperate and establish itself as a credible partner for dialogue.
The unity demonstrated in the Council today will send a clear message: that Iraq must rescind its decision and cooperate with the United Nations Special Commmission fully, immediately, and without conditions or restrictions.
For these reasons, Sweden supports the draft resolution before us.
Thank you, Mr President.