1.1 | UK
Iraq strategy 1990 to 2000
589.
The Security
Council unanimously adopted resolution 1205 (1998),
condemning
Iraq’s
decision to cease co-operation with UNSCOM, on
5 November.240
•
noted “with
alarm” Iraq’s decision to cease co-operation”;
•
stated that
the Council was determined to ensure Iraq’s “full compliance
…
without
conditions or restrictions with its obligations under resolution
687 (1991)
… and other
relevant resolutions”; and
•
reaffirmed
the Council’s “readiness to consider” Iraq’s compliance in
a
“comprehensive
review” once Iraq had “rescinded” its decisions of
5 August
and
31 October and “demonstrated that it is prepared to fulfil all
its obligations,
including”
the MOU of 23 February.241
591.
Acting under
Chapter VII of the Charter, the Council:
•
condemned
Iraq’s decision to cease co-operation with UNSCOM “as a
flagrant
violation”
of resolution 687 and other relevant resolutions;
•
demanded
that Iraq rescind its decisions of 5 August and
31 October;
•
reaffirmed
its full support for UNSCOM and the IAEA and their efforts
to
implement
their mandates;
•
expressed
full support for the efforts of the Secretary-General to seek
full
implementation
of the 23 February MOU;
•
reaffirmed
its intention to act in accordance with the relevant provisions
of
resolution
687 “on the duration of the prohibitions” in that resolution and
noted
that by
failing to comply with its obligations, Iraq had “delayed the
moment when
the Council
can do so”; and
•
decided “in
accordance with its primary responsibility under the Charter for
the
maintenance
of international peace and security, to remain actively seized
of
the matter”.
592.
The record of
the Security Council’s discussion demonstrates the surprise
and
incomprehension
which Iraq’s decision caused amongst the members of the
Council.
593.
Russia and
other members of the Council explicitly stated that the resolution
did
not
authorise the use of force.
594.
Mr Dejammet
stated that the Security Council’s decision demonstrated its unity
and
sent a firm
message to Iraq in response to its “unacceptable and irrational”
decision.242
Iraq was
“turning its back on the Council’s clearly expressed intention to
proceed without
240
UN Security
Council, ‘3939th Meeting Thursday 5 November 1998’
(S/PV.3939).
241
UN Security
Council resolution 1205 (1998).
242
UN Security
Council, ‘3939th Meeting Thursday 5 November 1998’
(S/PV.3939).
135