Iraqi Ruling Party Rejects "Smart Sanctions"

The National Leadership of Iraq's ruling Arab Baath Socialist Party on Sunday reaffirmed the country's rejection of the British-U.S. "smart sanctions" against Baghdad.

During a meeting chaired by President Saddam Hussein, the party leadership reiterated rejection of a draft resolution, submitted by Britain to the United Nations Security Council, on the so-called " smart sanctions," the Iraqi News Agency reported.

The United States supports the draft.

"Iraq will not recognize and accept such a draft that bears the same features and qualities as the existing sanction regime, regardless of its sponsor," the party stressed.

On Saturday, Saddam expressed rejection of the "smart sanctions," during a cabinet meeting, saying that "Iraq is approaching a new showdown and should be fully prepared for it."

On June 4, Iraq stopped oil exports in protest against the U.N. Security Council's decision to extend the oil-for-food program one month, instead of the regular six months.

Iraq maintains that the extension runs counter to the U.N. Security Council Resolution 986 and the U.N. program as it contains fundamental elements of the "smart sanctions."

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