Jordan welcomes lifting of UN sanctions on Iraq

Dec 19, 2010, 17:07 GMT

Amman - The Jordanian government on Sunday welcomed the decision by the UN Security Council to lift a major part of the 19- year-old sanctions on neighbouring Iraq, as a 'constructive' step.

'This constructive and important measure on the part of the UN Security Council should represent an additional incentive for all political forces in Iraq to work out comprehensive national reconciliation and step up the formation of an Iraqi government that involves all main political blocs,' Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said in a statement.

The UN Security Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to lift its sanctions on Iraqi weaponry and civilian nuclear power. It also decided to return control of Iraq's oil and natural gas revenue to the government next summer and to settle all remaining claims relating to the controversial oil-for-food programme.

'This decision reflects a clear recognition by the world community that Iraq has restored its important role in the regional and international security and stability,' Judeh said.

He also expressed hope that the UN step would 'prevent any meddling in internal affairs of Iraq and help safeguard its political independence and sovereignty over its national soil'.

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