The UN Security Council's move to free up delivery of humanitarian supplies to Iraq is prejudicial to the Iraqi economy and people, Iraq's ambassador to the UN said today.
"The way in which the plan has been presented is a US way. The plan has been discussed by America with other member states," Mr Mohammad al-Duri told Qatar's Al-Jazeeratelevision channel.
"What they call a goods review list is a long list prejudicial to the Iraqi economy and directly for the Iraqi people," Mr Duri said.
"The procedures are numerous and complicated. They aim only at blocking the entry of humanitarian products in particular and other goods in general".
UN Security Council members voted unanimously last night to free up delivery of humanitarian supplies to Iraq but remained divided over the future of their 12-year-old sanctions regime.
The council adopted a goods review list (GRL) to replace the cumbersome vetting procedures of the UN's oil-for-food lifeline, which has for five and a half years enabled Iraq to import basic necessities despite the trade embargo.
The arrival of goods under the GRL will be "more delayed than in the past and will be costly for the Iraqi people," Mr Duri said.
"We consider all Security Council resolutions that do not lead to a lifting of the embargo imposed on Iraq open to question. The Iraqi people demand the lifting of 12 years of suffering," he said.
AFP