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<title>AXWORTHY STRONGLY CONDEMNS IRAQ'S VIOLATION OF UN RESOLUTIONS</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">November 3, 1998 <em>(2:30 p.m. EST)</em> No. 252</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">AXWORTHY STRONGLY CONDEMNS IRAQ'S </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">VIOLATION OF UN RESOLUTIONS</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today strongly condemned Iraq's decision on October 31, 1998, to halt
co-operation with United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) inspectors. <ins></ins></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"Canada fully supports the UN Security Council's November 1 resolution denouncing this action as a 'flagrant
violation' of UN resolutions," said Mr. Axworthy. "We join the Council in calling upon Iraq to rescind its decision
immediately and unconditionally." </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Iraq's action undermines recent efforts by the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary-General to begin a
comprehensive review process aimed at lifting sanctions against Iraq, once Iraq had resumed full co-operation
with UN inspectors. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"Iraq must recognize that the only road to lifting sanctions is through co-operation with UNSCOM and
compliance with UN resolutions," added Minister Axworthy.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Canada stands behind UNSCOM and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and values the
commitment and dedication of their inspectors in carrying out a difficult task. UNSCOM's role is central to
ensuring that Iraq complies with its disarmament obligations.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Once Iraq resumes its full co-operation with UNSCOM and the IAEA, the UN remains ready to implement a
comprehensive review of Iraq's compliance with relevant UN resolutions.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca </font></p>
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