OSCE says reports it is investigating alleged Belarusian arms sales to Iraq are incorrect

VIENNA/THE HAGUE, 10 June 2003 - The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) spokesperson said on Tuesday that, contrary to recent press reports, the Organization was not investigating alleged sales of arms by private Belarusian companies to Iraq.

Documents purporting to show that such weapons sales had occurred are the sole responsibility of the United Nations Sanctions Committee, which is the appropriate body for investigating alleged violations of sanctions against Iraq.

Reports that "a special OSCE committee" would review the documents are incorrect. The OSCE does not have such a committee and investigations of such matters are the prerogative of the UN Sanctions Committee.