• by IPS Correspondents (united nations)
• Wednesday, November 16, 1994
• Inter Press Service

UNITED NATIONS, Nov 16 (IPS) - The U.N. Security Council Wednesday greeted Iraq's official recognition of Kuwait, but its cautious words indicate the uphill battle Baghdad faces to win the end of a four-year U.N. embargo.

Council President Madeleine Albright of the United States read a statement on behalf of the body declaring that Iraq's Nov. 10 decision to recognise Kuwait and its present borders was "a significant step in the direction toward implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions."

The Council statement also recognised that Iraq's confirmation of the "irrevocable and unqualified recognition of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the state of Kuwait" complies with U.N. resolutions that form the basis of the embargo.

Albright added the Council will "keep under review Iraq's actions to complete its compliance" with the Council's demands.

Although the non-binding statement appear to be a step forward in Iraq's effort to work its way out of its post-Gulf War economic and political isolation, the haggling over the statement's wording indicate otherwise.

One Council ambassador, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the body was stalled for two days simply deciding the inclusion of a few small, but symbolically crucial, words into Albright's text.

Reflecting divisions among the Council's key members, France and Russia insisted the body note the recognition of Kuwait as an "important step," while the United States and Britain -- who oppose lifting the Iraqi embargo -- referred only to "a step."

The final choice of "a significant step" was viewed by one U.S. diplomat, who chose not to be named, as a reasonable compromise. That in turn left some here wondering at the symbolic difference between 'important' and 'significant'.

Similarly, the final text hews closely to Russia's wish that the Council merely "review" Iraq's compliance with U.N. rulings rather than the United States' firmer request that it "monitor" Baghdad.

Behind the word games, a significant breach is opening between France and Russia on the one hand and Britain and the United States on the other over whether the time is coming to decide on the lifting of the Iraqi sanctions. Those four, along with China, comprise the veto-wielding permanent members of the Council.

© Inter Press Service (2014) — All Rights Reserved. Original source: Inter Press Service

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