UNITED NATIONS, April 23: Underscoring respect for international law while dealing with the new situation in Iraq, Pakistan on Tuesday said that the process for suspension of sanctions as outlined in UN resolution 1284 should be followed.

At informal closed door consultations of the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan’s UN Ambassador, Munir Akram, reportedly said that a final report would be required under resolution 1441 for the lifting of sanctions.

He said: “It is obvious that sanctions constitute an important aspect of the overall issue. Sanctions were imposed as a result of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait and to ensure elimination of Iraq’s WMD programme after Kuwait’s liberation.”

“The Security Council and other UN agencies, including UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), will have to play an important role with regard to lifting of the sanctions,” he added.

“Our approach in the council and outside is inspired by the need to take immediate measures for security, rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq and its people” Mr Akram said and added that “the most important issue is how to provide essential supplies to the Iraqi people. Pakistan will adopt a practical and pragmatic approach to address this issue.”