3.5 |
Development of UK strategy and options, September to November 2002
–
the
negotiation of resolution 1441
Country
China
(continued)
Extracts
from Explanations of Vote (EOV)
“… the
purpose of the resolution is to achieve the disarmament of Iraq
through effective
inspections.
The text no longer includes automaticity for authorising the use of
force
… only upon
receipt of a report by UNMOVIC and the IAEA on Iraq’s
non‑compliance
and failure
to co‑operate fully in the implementation of the resolution, will
the Security
Council
consider the situation and take a position.
…
“The
Security Council bears the primary responsibility for the
maintenance of
international
peace and security – a responsibility that is entrusted to it by
the Charter.
Now the …
Council has adopted this important resolution … we hope it will
contribute
to
preserving the authority of the Council, facilitate a political
settlement … and enable
an early
return of the … inspectors to Iraq.
…
“We would
also like to point out that the … inspectors should draw lessons
from the
United
Nations Special Commission. We trust that UNMOVIC and the IAEA will
strictly
abide by
the mandate provided by the … Council … and faithfully fulfil its
duties.”
852.
China,
France and Russia made a joint statement that, in the event of
a
report of a
further material breach, it would “be for the Security Council to
take
a position
on the basis of that report”.
853.
China, France
and Russia also issued a joint statement outlining their
interpretation
of the
resolution:
“Resolution
1441 (2002) adopted today by the Security Council excludes
any
automaticity
in the use of force. In this regard, we register with satisfaction
the
declarations
of the representatives of the United States and the United
Kingdom
confirming
this understanding in their explanations of vote, and assuring that
the
goal of the
resolution is the full implementation of the existing Security
Council
resolutions
on disarmament of Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction. All
Security
Council
members share this goal.
“In case of
failure by Iraq to comply with its obligations, the provisions
of
paragraphs 4,
11 and 12 will apply. Such failure will be reported to the
Security
Council by
the Executive Chairman of UNMOVIC or the Director General of
the
IAEA. It
will then be for the Council to take a position on the basis
of that report.
351