UK does flip-flop on UN resolution meaning regarding attacking Iraq
Egypt-UK, Politics, 12/14/2002

In a typical pattern of what the US and UK approach to abusing the UN Security Council and its resolutions, in gaining support for a resolution by saying one thing, and then saying the absolute opposite after the passage of the resolution, the UK just announced that there is no need for another UN resolution to authorize striking Iraq, British officials announced in Egypt.

President Mubarak discussed yesterday with British Minister of State for Middle East Affairs Mike O'Brien conditions in the region and the Iraqi crisis.

Emerging from the meeting O'Brien said he discussed with President Mubarak the Iraqi file and developments of the Middle East situation, particularly in the Palestinian territories, describing the meeting as positive and very good.

He said he posted President Mubarak on Britain's current study of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's statement on the crisis in order to come up with a detailed vision in the next few days.

The recent period saw issuance of similar statements from Baghdad, the British official said.

He noted the Iraqi President now has the last chance to be committed to UN Security Council resolution 1441 and to give a full account of the Iraqi weapons of mass destruction.

The resolution carries a clear message to Saddam on the necessity of honoring the resolution for the sake of realizing a peaceful solution, said O'Brien, stressing that this is the final choice for Saddam.

In other statements at the British Embassy yesterday, O'Brien voiced his country's keenness on avoiding a war on Iraq.

He said the ball is now in Iraqi President court, urging him to respond to the demands of the International community and the United Nations (UN) resolutions and to make good use of the chance available to prove he is possessing no weapons of mass destruction and not to threaten his neighbors once again.

O'Brien underlined the importance of his meeting with President Hosni Mubarak and his talks with Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher, noting he discussed with President Mubarak means to resuscitate the Middle East peace process.

He said he is convinced of Resident Mubarak's view as regards the injustice befalling the Palestinian people.

He stressed his country's view on the necessity or establishing a Palestinian state through negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides in implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and other resolutions that call for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

He, however, expressed his countrymen belief, which he expounded for both the Palestinians and Israelis during his visit to the region last month, that the suicide operations are considered the major obstacle before the peace process in the region and likewise the operations launched by Israel in the Palestinian areas, on top of which the building of settlements, are considered the prime obstacles before peace.

O'brien called for an end to the acts of violence from both sides and also for negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides to avoid their mutual sentiments of fear.

Replying to reporters questions during the press conference attended by British ambassador in Cairo John Sawers, O'brien warned Saddam Hussein of the failure to meet the requests of UN inspection teams.

There would be no need for a new resolution by the UN Security Council in order to deal a strike against Iraq on the grounds that resolution 1441 on Iraq would be enough, said O'Brien.

He said he discussed with Maher the issue the three Muslim Britons arrested recently in Egypt, voicing his country's concern over this issue.

He noted that the British contacts continue with officials in the Egyptian government on this matter, adding the Egyptian authorities are allowed the British Consul to visit those three Britons.

Previous Stories:
  Maher confers with British official   (10/23/2002)
  Mubarak confers with Patten   (10/15/2002)
  Mubarak gets a message from Blair   (10/9/2002)

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