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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release May 20, 1996

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

Agreement Between Iraq and the UN on Resolution 986

Iraq's agreement to implement UNSCR 986 is long-overdue and represents an important victory in the Security Council's efforts since 1991 to meet the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people. Iraq's belated decision to implement UNSCR 986 demonstrates once again that it will act in accordance with the requirements established by the Security Council only when the Council stands firm in refusing to negotiate lesser terms. It validates the long-standing U.S. view that there can be no discussion of modification to the overall sanctions regime until Iraq has met fully all its obligations to the UN. It makes clear that Iraq's current leadership has been and remains responsible for the suffering of the Iraqi people.

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