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Annan Worries at Iraq's Threat to Stop Oil-for-Food Program
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Tuesday that he is worried at Iraq's threat to suspend the UN oil-for-food program and halt oil exports.
Speaking to reporters at the UN headquarters, Annan said that if Iraq were to "turn off the taps," there would be a very serious situation.
"I hope it doesn't come to that. But if Iraq were to stop the program, or refuse to participate in the program, the Secretariat will have no means of providing assistance to the Iraqi people," said Annan in responding to the question what will the Secretariat do if Iraq stops the program.
Noting that it was very difficult for the Secretariat to raise sufficient resource for humanitarian work, Annan warned that the high demand for the Iraqi population would not be meet if the Iraqi government choose to stop the program.
"Obviously, some of the efforts are being made to improve the conditions of the Iraqi people and make sure that the sanctions do not harm them," the UN chief said, referring to the U.S. backed British proposal to target sanction against Iraq only on military- related items.
Iraq said earlier today that if the United Nations Security Council adopts the "smart sanctions" drafted by the United States and Britain, Iraq will suspend the UN oil-for-food program and halt oil exports.
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