Iraq announces restoration of relations with Iran

ICRC-supervised mass repatriation began. Iranian captives could return home, while Iran also released Iraqi prisoners.

Air shuttles began alongside border transfers at Qasr-e-Shirin. ICRC-chartered flights also carried wounded and sick prisoners.

The Arak-Hamedan oil-products pipeline was inaugurated, extending domestic fuel transport infrastructure during reconstruction. A nearby depot’s unfinished work was a separate project.

The third unit of the Kangan gas plant was inaugurated, completing the first phase. Completion of that phase did not establish that the subsequent expansion was finished.

Tariq Aziz visited Tehran and held talks with Velayati on lasting peace and the Gulf crisis. The visit followed Iraq’s acceptance of Iran’s settlement terms in August.

By this date, the ICRC records 37,861 Iranian and 40,960 Iraqi prisoners repatriated since 17 August. Remaining cases continued for years.

Resolution 671 continued UNIIMOG’s mandate to monitor the ceasefire and withdrawal. Iran’s border security remained subject to international observation.

Iran and Britain resumed diplomatic relations after their 1989 break. A later British parliamentary answer gives the date and distinguishes it from reopening embassies.

MEES reported that Iran awaited a German response concerning reconstruction of the Bushehr nuclear plant. Awaiting a response did not establish an agreed restart of construction.

MEES reported Foreign Minister Velayati’s commitment to observing the UN embargo against Iraq. This entry records the declared policy, not an independent audit of all cross-border trade.