America: a Beacon, not a Policeman	How Washington Holds up and Vetoes Iraq Civilian Reconstruction	Americans Against World Empire  Homepage

May 31, 2000
The Honorable Madeline K. Albright
Secretary of State
Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520

Dear Madame Secretary,

As you know, I traveled to Iraq last month to assess the conditions of
Iraqi civilians. There is clearly a humanitarian tragedy happening there
which has been caused by the cumulative effect of two wars, a decade of
sanctions, and the indifference to the people's plight by the Government
of Iraq. While I do not think it is wise to totally lift sanctions at
this time, there is far more the United States can do to help address
the basic human needs of Iraq's people.

United States policy holds that the "United Nations sanctions have never
targeted the Iraqi people." The unfortunate reality is that while
sanctions are not the sole cause of the people's suffering, they
contribute to it. Here are some policy changes which I believe would
improve the humanitarian situation without leading to increased military
capacities for the Government of Iraq. They are:

1) Implementing a Cash Component in the South and Center of Iraq. The
provisions in Security Council Resolution 1284 call for a cash component
and for local procurement which both need to be pursued vigorously.
UNICEF is recommending a 25 percent cash component for basic education
and a 10-15 percent cash component for primary health care. Cash
components have improved the effectiveness of the programs in North and
should be pursued in the rest of Iraq as well.

2) Streamline and Review the Sanctions Process at the United Nations.
The United States should use its diplomatic efforts to improve the
efficiency of the 661 Committee at the United Nations. For example,
there is no reason that it cannot use a line-item veto approach when
reviewing contracts. If 90 percent of a contract is approved while 10
percent is being reviewed, the committee should allow delivery of the
approved goods while holding up questionable items.

3) Review Current Holds. The 661 Committee should be more explicit in
detailing what information it requires to expedite the approval of
contracts and the removal of holds. This would allow international
organizations and the United Nations to better gather information
required to provide the necessary assurances.

4) Allow for Increased Water and Sanitation Supplies. The prompt
provision of water and sanitation supplies and equipment to the health
sector are essential to the wellbeing of Iraqi civilians. The United
Nations should find some way to increase the volume of these items into
Iraq, either by refraining from imposing holds or by adding these items
to the lists of humanitarian goods exempted by
Paragraph 17 of Security Council Resolution 1284. If better monitoring
is required to assure the proper end use, that should be sought
directly.

5) Review Definition of Dual-Use Items. The United States should review
how it defines the term dual-use in reviewing contracts for Iraq. I
believe our current interpretation is too strict. Items such as pencils
have been held up because of a possible dual-use.

6) Support International Organizations Working in Iraq. The United
States should increase its support for international organizations such
as UNICEF, the World Food Program, and the International Federation of
Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and their appeals for programs
within Iraq.

7) Support World Health Organization Study on Cancer Rates - A
comprehensive study should be undertaken by the World Health
Organization to look into reports of increased cancer rates in Iraq,
including the possible effects of depleted uranium.

8) Increase Passport Validations. Under current State Department
regulations, there are four exceptions to the ban on travel to Iraq:
professional reporters; the American Red Cross; humanitarian
considerations; and the national interest. I believe the humanitarian
exemption should be applied more broadly. U.S. humanitarian
organizations too often are denied permission or told that their
application will be denied for travel to Iraq.

9) Upgrade Consular Services. Currently, no American serves in the U.S.
Interests Section in Baghdad although we post Americans to our Interests
Sections in both Cuba and Sudan. Increasing the U.S. staff for consular
services would help to facilitate increased passport validations of U.S.
humanitarian groups.

Thank you for your consideration of these proposals. I look forward to
working with you to improve the humanitarian situation in Iraq.

Sincerely,
TONY HALL
Member of Congress

cc: Mr. Samuel R. Berger, Assistant to the President for National
Security Affairs Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke, U.S. Mission to
the United Nations