An Icelandic charity said yesterday the United Nations and Iraq had approved its plan to fly Santa Claus to Baghdad on Christmas Day with gifts for Iraqi children hit by UN sanctions.
But the group said it still had to ensure that the Russian aircraft it was chartering would be in Reykjavik on time for Santa's planned takeoff today, bringing a message of global peace.
"We think everything will work out, we're sorting out the final details," said Mr Thor Magnusson, founder of Peace 2000. Mr Magnusson said the Icelandic embassy in New York had told the group that a UN sanctions committee had approved the flight, despite severe restrictions on civilian aircraft over Iraq. Baghdad had also given approval, he added.
The group says that Santa is a non-political figure who can spread a message of peace and goodwill to cheer Muslims and Christians alike.
Mr Magnusson said the charity planned to fly medicines, some food and thousands of toys donated by Icelandic children.
"We are also appealing for a peaceful solution in the Middle East, hoping that leaders will get together to stop the suffering of children," he said. - (Reuters)
Iraq accused the US yesterday of "blackmailing" the UN Security Council and manipulating the UN Special Commission on disarmament to prolong sanctions.