New York - The UN Security Council last night extended eight-year sanctions on Iraq indefinitely, to punish Baghdad for suspending co-operation with UN arms inspectors.
The 15-member council unanimously cancelled a scheduled sanctions review in October, and suspended a regular two-monthly review until Iraq rescinds its August 5th decision freezing co-operation with the UN weapons inspectors.
But the resolution also offers a "comprehensive review" of overall Iraqi compliance - Baghdad has reversed its decision.
The Iraqi ambassador, Mr Nizar Hamdoon, told reporters that "Baghdad will be studying all the options that are available to it."
