U.S. Resolution HJ
114/SJ 45 AND U.N. Security Council Resolution 1441
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL MEMBERS INTREPRET THE
MEANING OF RESOLUTION 1441 ON IRAQ
Following the adoption of a landmark resolution aimed
at returning United Nations weapons inspectors to Iraq, members of the
Security Council stressed that the text, which was cosponsored by the
United States and the United Kingdom, contains no provisions for the
automatic use of force.
UNITED STATES:
Secretary of State Colin Powell speaking on "Late Edition
with Wolf Blitzer" said, "If [Hussein] doesn't comply this
time, we are going to ask the U.N. to give authorization for all necessary
means." (The Washington Post, November 11, 2002; Page
A04)
GREAT BRITAIN:
The Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Jeremy Greenstock, agreed
that the resolution has no "automaticity," noting that in
the event of a further Iraqi breach, the matter would return to the
Council. "The disarmament of Iraq of weapons of mass destruction
by peaceful means remains the UK's firm preference, but if Iraq chooses
defiance and concealment, rejecting the final opportunity it has been
given by the Council…the UK - together, we trust, with other
members of the Security Council - will ensure that the task of disarmament
required by the resolution is completed," he said.
FRANCE:
French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte hailed the fact that
the resolution ensures that the Security Council maintains control over
the future course of action, requiring a Council meeting in the event
of Iraqi non-compliance. "France welcomes the elimination from
the resolution of all ambiguity on this point and the elimination
of all automaticity," he said. All efforts in recent weeks
had been aimed at giving peace a chance; war could be only a last
resort, he declared.
MEXICO:
Mexico's Ambassador, Adolfo Aguilar Zinser, said in the case
of Iraq's failure to comply, the Council itself would determine the
existence of a threat to international peace and security. "The
decision of the Security Council confers the legitimacy, the effectiveness
and the relevance of this body," he said. "It strengthens
the Security Council, the United Nations, multilateralism and the construction
of an international system of norms and principles." Security
Council decisions on the matter must comply with international law on
the basis of objectively verifiable facts. The possibility of the
use of force is only valid as a last resort, "with the prior, explicit
authorization of the Security Council," he stressed.
RUSSIA:
Russian Ambassador Sergey Lavrov said that as a result of
intensive talks, the resolution "does not contain any provisions
about automatic use of force." The sponsors had confirmed that
this was their understanding, and had given assurances that the goal
was to achieve disarmament through inspections. The resolution also
underscored the need to respect Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"The wording in the resolution is not the ideal, and the sponsors
themselves acknowledge this, but this just reflects the very complicated
nature of the compromise that was arrived at," he said. The key
point was that the text "deflects the direct threat of war, and
opens up the road to further work in the interests of a political, diplomatic
settlement." In the event of any dispute, the Council would
consider the situation as it develops. Clarifying specific points
in the text, he said that Iraq would probably need more than 30 days
to submit information on non-military chemical and biological programmes,
but such a delay would not constitute a violation. All involved must
not yield to the temptation of unilateral interpretation of the resolution's
provisions.
CHINA:
Ambassador Zhang Yishan of China stressed the need for a peaceful
solution to the question of Iraq within the framework of the UN.
In seeking a comprehensive solution to the question of Iraq, the country's
sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as its legitimate concerns
should be respected. Further, the Council should consider suspending
and eventually lifting the sanctions against Iraq if the country meets
its obligations. The purpose of the resolution is to achieve disarmament
through inspections; the text has no provisions for the automatic use
of force. He voiced hope that the text would serve to preserve the Council's
authority, facilitate a political settlement of the question of
Iraq, and enable an early return of UN inspectors. Iraq should implement
the resolution in good faith, he said, appealing to all concerned to
strive for a political solution.
IRELAND:
Ambassador Richard Ryan of Ireland agreed that the unanimously
adopted resolution sent a strong message to Iraq. He welcomed assurances
by the sponsors that the text aims to achieve disarmament through inspections,
and not to establish a basis for the use of force, which must remain
a last resort. "This is a resolution about disarmament, not
war," he stressed. "It is about removing all threat of war."
SINGAPORE:
Christine Lee, Singapore's representative, said there was an
international consensus that Iraq must comply with its obligations under
UN resolutions. The resolution "makes clear that Iraq will be given
a full and final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations."
COLOMBIA:
Colombian Ambassador Alfonso Valdivieso stressed the importance
of sending a clear message that the international community does not
intend to wait any longer for compliance with the Security Council's
demands. Colombia had insisted on preserving the Security Council's
core role in dealing with the matter. "This resolution is not,
nor could [it] be, a resolution authorizing the use of force,"
he said.
CAMEROON:
Ambassador Martin Belinga-Eboutou of Cameroon said the resolution
is a "positive and constructive compromise text" which does
not constitute victory for any particular fight but rather for international
peace and security. He welcomed the fact that the sponsors had affirmed
that the resolution contains no hidden triggers or automaticity, and
that they would work to preserve the Council's centrality in maintaining
international peace and security.
GUINEA:
Mamady Traore, Guinea's Ambassador, agreed with others that the
unanimous adoption of the text sends a clear message to Iraq. "This
important phase now makes it possible to achieve the peaceful resolution
of the Iraqi crisis and reaffirms the unity and core role of the Security
Council as the guarantor of international peace and security."
MAURITIUS:
Bijayeduth Gokool of Mauritius said the resolution was the fruit
of intensive and constructive negotiations that took on board the concerns
of all Council members. "We are pleased to see the clear and
unambiguous role of the Security Council in the maintenance and promotion
of international peace and security through peaceful means."
The unanimous vote strengthened the resolution, which was a prerequisite
for its effectiveness. Voicing hope Iraq would comply with the resolution's
demands, he called on all Council members to support that end.
(SOURCE: Foreign Country Statements
from UN Security Council Press Release, 11-08-02)