Powell sanctions plan takes shape

Vedrine and Powell were in considerable concord apparently

By US State Department correspondent Richard Lister

New details are emerging of American proposals to revise the international sanctions against Iraq.

We discussed how we can ensure that the UN sanctions are targeted at the Iraqi regime's attempts to develop weapons of mass destruction while sparing the people of Iraq from any suffering

US Secretary of State Powell

US Secretary of State Colin Powell has been having talks on the issue with his French counterpart, Hubert Vedrine, in Washington, and US officials say the Bush administration hopes to have completed its plan by June.

The Bush administration is hoping to regain support for sanctions against Baghdad by easing restrictions on commercial trade, while denying Saddam Hussein the money to rebuild his weapons programme.

Senior US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say Washington is prepared to revise the list of items currently banned from sale to Iraq, and offer financial incentives to Iraq's neighbours to crack down on cross-border smuggling.

France has joined Iraqi protest against the effect of sanctions

Officials say they are considering proposals to put UN trade inspectors at crossing points and airports.

Most border states are buying oil from Saddam Hussein in breach of UN sanctions, and Washington is suggesting that such trade could continue providing it is regulated to ensure that the payments don't go directly to the Iraqi leadership.

Mr Powell said after talks with Foreign Minister Vedrine that the US was now closer to agreement on the issue with France, which has been a persistent critic of the sanctions.

We don't need a policy based on sanctions, but one based on control and vigilance

French FM Vedrine

On a tour of the Middle East last month, Mr Powell said he had also received solid support for America's approach from Iraq's neighbours.

Officials say there are still many details to be ironed out, but they hope to have completed their proposals in time for the next UN review of the Iraqi oil for food programme, in June.