Iran hails easing of Iraq sanctions

Iran has congratulated neighboring Iraq on the easing of the United Nations sanctions imposed on Baghdad more than two decades ago.
On Thursday, the UN Security Council voted unanimously to remove some sanctions imposed against Iraq after Saddam Hussein’s forces invaded neighboring Kuwait in August 1990.

Late on Thursday, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian congratulated the Arab country on its removal from Chapter 7 of the UN Charter.

Chapter 6 of the UN Charter calls for peaceful resolution of conflicts between the countries, while Chapter 7 authorizes the Security Council to allow sanctions or military intervention if countries do not meet UN demands.

The Iranian deputy foreign minister said that the Security Council’s decision would positively affect Iraq’s political status.

He added that the removal also indicates that Baghdad has acted reasonably towards its neighbors.

After the UN move, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki thanked the 15-member council for easing sanctions.

Maliki stated, “Iraq is now free from the constraints imposed by the follies of the dictatorial regime.”

He underlined Iraq’s good intentions for bilateral relations with all countries, and called for talks and better relations between regional states to end the growing tensions.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari praised the UN vote, saying the move heralds a new start for the ties between Iraq and Kuwait.

“This is a new beginning for the relations between our two neighborly and brotherly countries. This is an example for other countries also to resolve their disputes and differences through peaceful means,” he stated.