Iraq rejects UN decision to resume 'oil for food' program
The Jerusalem Post

29 March 2003

Iraqi propaganda minister, Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf, said on live television that Iraq rejects the resumption of the UN's 'oil for food' program.

The Security Council voted Friday to resume the program to try and stem the harsh humanitarian conditions faced by Iraqis due to the war.

The program, first introduced in December 1996, allows Iraq to sell oil under strict UN supervision to buy food, medicine, oil equipment and other goods to ease the impact of sanctions in place since Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990.

Sahaf also attacked US President Bush in his TV appearance, saying Bush was the "number one war criminal in the world".

Sahaf added that Arab intellectuals believe it would be possible to try President Bush on war crimes charges.