United Nations Security Council Resolution 660

United Nations Security Council Resolution 660 was adopted on August 2, 1990, in response to the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, which was widely condemned by the international community, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union. The resolution was passed under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which allows the United Nations Security Council to take measures to maintain or restore international peace and security, as outlined in the United Nations Charter. The resolution was supported by China, Canada, and other members of the United Nations Security Council, including Finland, Malaysia, and Romania. The situation was closely monitored by the United Nations Secretary-General, Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, and the United Nations General Assembly.

● Introduction

The introduction of the resolution was a response to the Gulf War, which began with the invasion of Kuwait by Iraqi Republican Guard forces, led by Saddam Hussein, on August 2, 1990. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting, attended by representatives from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle East countries, to discuss the situation and potential responses, including the use of United Nations peacekeeping forces. The resolution was drafted by the United States, in consultation with other members of the United Nations Security Council, including the United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union, with input from the Arab League and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. The resolution was also influenced by the Camp David Accords and the Madrid Conference of 1991, which aimed to promote peace in the Middle East.

● Background

The background to the resolution was the long-standing dispute between Iraq and Kuwait, which dated back to the Iran-Iraq War and the Treaty of Zuhab. The situation was further complicated by the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Lebanon War, which had drawn in other countries in the region, including Israel, Syria, and Jordan. The United Nations Security Council had previously addressed the situation in the region through United Nations Security Council Resolution 598, which called for a ceasefire in the Iran-Iraq War. The resolution was also influenced by the Cold War and the Soviet-Afghan War, which had significant implications for international relations and the balance of power in the region, involving countries such as Pakistan, India, and Turkey.

● Provisions

The provisions of the resolution called for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait, as demanded by the United Nations Security Council and the international community, including the European Community and the Non-Aligned Movement. The resolution also called for the restoration of the legitimate government of Kuwait, led by the Emir of Kuwait, and the protection of foreign nationals in Kuwait, including citizens of Japan, Germany, and Italy. The resolution authorized the use of diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions to achieve these goals, as outlined in the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Conventions. The resolution was supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations Development Programme.

● Voting

The voting on the resolution was unanimous, with all 15 members of the United Nations Security Council voting in favor, including Yugoslavia, Colombia, and Senegal. The resolution was supported by the United States Secretary of State, James Baker, and the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Douglas Hurd. The resolution was also supported by the Soviet Union Foreign Minister, Eduard Shevardnadze, and the Chinese Foreign Minister, Qian Qichen. The voting was influenced by the G7 and the G20, which had significant implications for the global economy and international trade.

● Aftermath

The aftermath of the resolution saw the imposition of economic sanctions on Iraq, led by the United States and the European Community, which had significant implications for the Iraqi economy and the regional economy. The resolution also led to the deployment of coalition forces to the region, led by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, which ultimately resulted in the Gulf War and the liberation of Kuwait. The resolution was followed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 661, which imposed a trade embargo on Iraq, and United Nations Security Council Resolution 662, which declared the annexation of Kuwait by Iraq to be null and void, with implications for the international law and the principle of sovereignty.

● Impact

The impact of the resolution was significant, as it marked a major shift in the international relations of the Middle East and the global response to aggression. The resolution demonstrated the ability of the United Nations Security Council to take decisive action in response to a crisis, as outlined in the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Conventions. The resolution also had significant implications for the regional security of the Middle East, as it led to the establishment of a regional security framework and the deployment of United Nations peacekeeping forces to the region, including the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission. The resolution was influenced by the Helsinki Accords and the Paris Charter, which aimed to promote European security and cooperation. Category:United Nations Security Council resolutions