Iraqi Tanker Bound for Emirates Seized

An Iraqi oil tanker carrying 650 tons of fuel to the United Arab Emirates in violation of international sanctions was seized, Kuwaiti officials said. The official Kuwait News Agency quoted an Interior Ministry statement as saying that the tanker, which was carrying diesel fuel, was intercepted inside Kuwaiti territorial waters. Under the sanctions, imposed after Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990, Baghdad is allowed to sell oil only to finance the purchase of food and medicine. Ships caught smuggling Iraqi oil are usually auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the United Nations.