Security Council asks Iraq to repatriate Kuwaiti prisoners

The Council wanted Iraq to account for hundreds of people reported missing after it attacked and annexed Kuwait leading to the Gulf war in August 1990.

Kuwait says Iraq is detaining 605 Kuwaitis and nationals of third countries. Iraq wants Kuwait to let it know the fate of some 1100 Iraqis who, it says, missing since the Gulf war.

The Council statement followed closed-door briefing by former Russian Ambassador Yuli Vornotsov who has been appointed by Annan to help resolve the issue.

It stressed the importance of dialogue among the parties and agreed with the conclusion of the Secretary General that goodwill and understanding are critical to the success of Vorontsov’s mission.

The Council noted that Iraq had returned a substantial amount of property over the past nine years, but said there are still many items of importance to Kuwait that Iraq is under obligation to return.

In his report, Annan had asked Iraq to return government archives, museum pieces and miltiary equipment.