UN and Iraq closer

The United Nations organisation and Iraq move into a closer relationship as sanctions on Baghdad are relaxed.

The 15 Members of the UN Security Council have agreed unanimously to approve a new sanctions plan for Iraq. The new scheme allows for Iraq to import materials which are not classified as primary need humanitarian goods, such as basic foodstuffs and medicines. For the first time in eleven years, the citizens of Iraq will be able to buy items like televisions and computers.

The Russian Federation had insisted that only by relaxing sanctions, would Iraq be able to reconstruct its economy. Materials which could be used for military purposes, such as telecommunications equipment, will be analyses on a case-by-case basis by the UNO.

Meanwhile, the USA continues to court supporters for an eventual attack against Iraq, which analysts claim is more likely to be next Spring, if not this autumn. Pravda.Ru contacts in Germany confirm that CIA agents have held secret meetings with Kurdish leaders Massud Barzani and Jalal Talabani.

Timothy BANCROFT-HINCHEY PRAVDA.Ru