Washington, 7 May 2003 (RFE/RL) -- The administration of U.S. President George W. Bush has reiterated its call for the lifting by the United Nations Security Council of all economic sanctions against Iraq. White House spokesman Ari Fleischer told reporters today that U.S. diplomats are discussing the matter. Fleischer was asked by a reporter whether Germany, a staunch opponent of the Iraq war, may be willing to help with lifting the sanctions.
"We will continue to work with all the members of the Security Council on the lifting of the sanctions [against Iraq]. The president's position, as you know, is that the sanctions should be lifted. I don't want to speak for the German government, but Germany, I think, has an interest in working closely with the United States and we want to listen to them and hear their thoughts, so we will continue to pursue this and consult with all our allies."
The U.S. has said that with the end of the Saddam Hussein the sanctions are no longer appropriate.
"We will continue to work with all the members of the Security Council on the lifting of the sanctions [against Iraq]. The president's position, as you know, is that the sanctions should be lifted. I don't want to speak for the German government, but Germany, I think, has an interest in working closely with the United States and we want to listen to them and hear their thoughts, so we will continue to pursue this and consult with all our allies."
The U.S. has said that with the end of the Saddam Hussein the sanctions are no longer appropriate.