Iraq urges China, France, Russia to veto sanctions BAGHDAD: Iraq's top newspaper urged China, France and Russia on Saturday to use their veto power in the UN Security Council to block British and US efforts to impose "smart" sanctions. "Has the veto become the prerogative of the United States (alone) and why do the other Security Council members not use it?" asked Babel, which is run by President Saddam Hussein's elder son, Uday. It said the reactions of China, France and Russia had fallen short of the expectations of Iraq, which had granted trade privileges to the three countries. "Despite all that they have obtained...and the enticing offers made to them by Iraq, the positions of Russia, France and China fall short of the required level," said Babel. "Will Russia leave behind its inertia, France its negative attitude and China its hesitation in order to foil the greatest imperialist-Zionist plot against Iraq?" the paper asked. Britain, with US backing, has circulated a Security Council draft resolution that would abolish curbs on civilian trade with Iraq but tighten a weapons ban and controls on smuggling outside a UN oil-for-food deal. Iraq on June 4 suspended more than 2 million barrels per day of oil exports under the UN humanitarian programme in protest at the plan, which the Security Council aims to put to the vote by early July. (AFP)
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