UN Security Council Adopts a New Export Control System on Iraq

I applaud the action by the UN Security Council to adopt resolution 1409. This vote puts in place a new export control system for exports to Iraq -- a major achievement that has been under negotiation since the beginning of last year. This unanimous decision reaffirms the broad consensus on Iraq within the Security Council that re-emerged last November when the Council passed resolution 1382. With resolution 1409, the Council has agreed that firm, focused controls must stay in place to prevent Iraq from re-establishing its conventional, ballistic missile, nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons programs. The need for such controls will remain until Iraq complies fully with all of its UN obligations.

Today's resolution demonstrates the Council's continued determination to meet the needs of the Iraqi people. The Council’s new system, based on a "Goods Review List," effectively lifts UN controls on Iraq's ability to purchase and import civilian goods. This significant step will improve the Iraqi regime's ability to meet the needs of its people, unless Baghdad continues to subvert the Oil-for-Food program as it does today, to the detriment of the Iraqi people.

Finally, the Council's vote today reaffirms the responsibility of all states to fully enforce UN Security Council resolutions. The Iraqi regime represents a threat to its own people, its region and the international community. The U.S. intends to continue working with the UN and with our friends and coalition partners to enforce UN resolutions on Iraq vigorously. We expect every other nation to do the same. Under this new export control system, with its simple, expedited process for exporting civilian goods to Iraq, there can be no excuse for any country to evade the focused controls aimed at preventing the Iraqi regime's re-armament.