Sunday February 13 8:44 AM ET

U.N. Officer Asks To Leave Iraq Job

By LEON BARKHO Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - The head of the U.N. humanitarian programs in Iraq has asked to
be relieved of his duties, the U.N. spokesman in Baghdad said Sunday.

Hans von Sponeck of Germany, who assumed office in 1998, has asked to leave his post as
of March 31, George Somerwill said. He did not give a reason for von Sponeck's decision.
Von Sponeck was not available for comment.

Diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, said von Sponeck decided to go because
he has found it difficult to work under the U.N. trade sanctions imposed on Iraq for its 1990
invasion of Kuwait.

The sanctions can only be lifted when Iraq proves to the U.N. Security Council it has rid
itself of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons as well as its long-range missiles.

The sanctions have crippled the Iraqi economy, leaving ordinary Iraqis struggling to feed and
clothe themselves. Von Sponeck wanted the Security Council to separate Iraq's
humanitarian needs from its disarmament. His outspoken remarks drew sharp criticism from
both the United States and Britain, the main proponents of sanctions on Iraq.

Von Sponeck was also critical of the U.N.-approved oil program that allowed the
government sales of $5.2 billion every six months to help it purchase food, medicine and
other essential commodities. A December U.N. resolution has lifted the $5.2 billion cap.

Von Sponeck's predecessor, Denis Halliday of Ireland, resigned in 1998, saying he did not
want to be associated with the adverse impact of U.N. trade sanctions on ordinary Iraqis.