Draft UN resolution states facts but provides green light for war

25 February 2003
The draft UN resolution prepared by the US and the UK and sponsored by Spain that was circulated to UN Security Council members on 24 February states facts but implicitly provides the legal sanction for an immediate attack on Iraq, analysts of the latest move in the Iraq crisis say.

The text of the resolution is as follows:

The Security Council recalling that its resolution 1441 while acknowledging that Iraq has been and remains in material breach of its obligations afforded Iraq a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations under relevant resolutions,

Recalling that in its resolution 1441 the council decided that false statements or omissions in the declaration submitted by Iraq pursuant to that resolution and failure by Iraq at any time to comply with, and co-operate fully in the implementation of, that resolution, would constitute a further material breach,

Noting, in that context, that in its resolution 1441, the Council recalled that it has repeatedly warned Iraq that it will face serious consequences as a result of its continuous violations of its obligations,

Noting that Iraq has submitted a declaration pursuant to its resolution 1441 containing false statements and omissions and has failed to comply with, and co-operate fully, in the implementation of that resolution,

Reaffirming the commitment of all member states to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, Kuwait and the neighbouring states,

Mindful of its primary responsibility under the Charter of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security,

Recognising the threat Iraq's non-compliance with Council resolutions and proliferation of mass destruction and long-range missiles poses to international peace and security,

Determined to secure full compliance with its decisions and to restore international peace and security in the area acting under chapter VII of the charter of the United Nations, decides that Iraq has failed to take the final opportunity afforded it in resolution 1441; decides to remain seized of the matter.

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