We've kept certain sanctions on China.

"It was a great mistake to keep sanctions on us," Mr. Milosevic said.

Iraq has also said that the American-led campaign to keep sanctions in place has caused many deaths and excessive deprivation of the Iraqi people.

Such an outcome would strengthen the American policy of keeping sanctions in place indefinitely.

In recent years, Washington's focus has been on simply keeping sanctions against Iraq in force over growing opposition, especially from Russia and France.

United Nations Security Council resolutions have kept sanctions in place.

Washington has focused on keeping sanctions in force until Iraq complies with all disarmament requirements.

Administration officials have also acknowledged that if the United States uses its veto to keep sanctions in force, over time they could erode.

The United Nations could keep sanctions on Iraq's oil exports until its withdrawal was complete.

This option assumes that the United States manages to keep sanctions in place indefinitely, but with dwindling support from other nations.