Largest U.N. Inspection in Iraq Could Lead to End of Trade Embargo
The United Nations on Monday launched its largest inspection of Iraqi weapon sites, a step that could lead to the eventual lifting of the world trade embargo against Baghdad.
“The idea . . . is to inspect a number of declared and undeclared sites in Iraq,” inspection team leader Nikita Smidovich told reporters before leaving on a noon flight to Baghdad.
The Security Council imposed the trade embargo after Iraq invaded Kuwait in August, 1990. The United Nations has said the embargo will not be lifted until Iraq complies with the U.N. cease-fire resolutions that ended the Persian Gulf War.
Some resolutions require Iraq to eliminate its weapons of mass destruction and install a system to monitor future compliance. Others require Baghdad to end repression of its citizens, recognize Kuwait’s postwar borders and account for all missing people from the war.
Tim Trevan, a senior U.N. weapons expert, said Sunday he understands that remote monitoring cameras have been activated at two Iraqi missile test sites after months of stormy negotiations with Baghdad.
Trevan said Iraq’s agreement to activate the cameras was given to the United Nations on Thursday by Iraqi Ambassador Nizar Hamdoun.
The cameras are at the Yawm al Azim and Rafah test sites, both about 45 miles south of Baghdad.
The cameras are designed to ensure that Iraq does not try to develop long-range missiles in contravention of the cease-fire agreement.
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