Annan, Sabri express satisfaction over preliminary talks
Iraq, Politics, 7/5/2002

The Secretary General of the UN Kofi Annan and the Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri expressed "their satisfaction" over the preliminary talks which started in Vienna on Thursday morning concerning the return of the UN inspectors in charge of dismantling mass destruction weapons to Iraq.

Following the first session of these talks with Sabri, Annan said "I am satisfied with the way the talks were held and hopefully we will continue this way." On the other hand, the Iraqi minister said "we held serious and frank talks and I am happy with that." Both Annan and Sabri made these statements before journalists following three hours of talks. It is expected that Annan will discuss with Sabri the international sanctions imposed on Iraq since 1990 in exchange for the return of UN weapons inspectors to Iraq.

The spokesman for Annan, Fred Eckhard said that the UN chief stressed the need for the return back of the UN inspectors.

Before permitting the UN inspectors to return back to Iraq, the Iraqis want answers to 19 questions they submitted to the UN which focus on weapons dismantling and the methods of inspection, Iraq's relations with the UN, the threat by the US to use force against Baghdad. The third session of talks which started in March this year is expected to continue today, following one year of suspension. Four negotiation sessions will be organized, two of them are at the level of experts.

Previous Stories:
  UN secretary general arrives in Vienna to hold talks with Iraq's Sabri   (7/4/2002)
  Iran, Turkey: Iraq's territorial integrity essential for regional stability   (7/4/2002)
  Iraq denounces the Free Europe radio   (7/4/2002)

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