Text of report by Iraqi TV

We have just received the following:

A short while ago, the UN Security Council adopted a new unfair resolution against Iraq and its steadfast and proud people.

Resolution No 1137 was adopted under US pressure and blackmail. Over the past few days, the United States has used all means and methods to compel the Security Council member states to submit to the US demand and approve the new unfair resolution.

The US resolution, which is in line with the series of US crimes against the mujahid Iraqi people, stipulates banning the travel of Iraqi officials whom the United States regards as responsible for cases of so-called non-compliance.

President Saddam Hussein

Our people's steadfastness, forbearance and jihad, as our leader president Saddam Hussein, may God protect him, has stated, is the only way to restore Iraqi rights from the American usurpers and their supporters.

The unjust blockade will be lifted only by the will of the Iraqis and not by the will of anybody else.

In a press statement after the issuance of this unjust resolution, Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz announced Iraq's categorical rejection and condemnation of this unjust resolution.

He said that this resolution will not scare our people who will continue to defend their legitimate rights with all the legitimate means they deem fit.

Following is the statement: Iraq condemns and rejects the resolution passed by the Security Council today.

Tariq Aziz said: This resolution is added to a series of unjust resolutions issued by the council in the past.

US fighter planes are patrolling Iraqi airspace

He said: We sought to directly explain our fair case in front of the Security Council. This is a natural right. However, that was blocked by US pressure and blackmail, and America pushed for this unjust resolution.

The Deputy Prime Minister said: Although we were prevented from addressing the council, the council members and public opinion have become aware of our case and have been acquainted with our concerns, suffering and legitimate requests.

We are facing an unprecedentedly unjust situation. Iraq implemented the requirements of the UN Security Council resolutions. However, the Security Council has not honoured its obligations under the resolutions towards Iraq, led by lifting the prolonged unjust blockade and respecting Iraq's sovereignty.

The main reason for that is America's arbitrary position, which flagrantly violates international legitimacy.

Tariq Aziz stressed that Iraq will continue to explain its fair case and that this resolution will not scare the Iraqi people, and that Iraq will continue to defend its legitimate rights with all the legitimate means it deems fit.

Source: Iraqi TV, Baghdad, in Arabic 1935 gmt 12 Nov 97

BBC Monitoring (http://www.monitor.bbc.co.uk), based in Caversham in southern England, selects and translates information from radio, television, press, news agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages.
 

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