UN weapons inspectors to return to Iraq
Iraq, Politics, 11/20/1997

Iraq has agreed to allow UN weapons inspectors, including the American inspectors, back into the country. Inspections are expected to resume upon the team's arrival tomorrow. Last week the entire UN team left Iraq when the American members were expelled.

The return of the inspectors follows an early-morning meeting in Geneva, Switzerland between Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov, French Foreign Minister Hubert Verdine, British Foreign Minister Robin Cook and American secretary of State Madeleine Albright, to discuss the Russian-brokered solution.

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz said, "I did not make a deal in Moscow." But Russia showed "understanding" toward Iraqi concerns, and the Russians had "promised that they would do their best to correct the wrong situation," Aziz said.

An Iraqi MP said that the Russian solution is a step on the way to the lifting of the UN sanctions against Iraq.

Chief UN weapons inspector Richard Butler said that he had not yet received official notification that the inspectors can return, but that the notice would likely come later today. Once the official word is given, "We'll be ready to move back tomorrow at first light," Butler said.

US Secretary of State emphasized that the US got what it wanted, saying that it made no concessions and that the inspectors will be returning unconditionally.

Speaking to a group of religions leaders, US President Bill Clinton said that the Geneva meeting, "strongly reaffirmed our unanimous position. Saddam Hussein must comply unconditionally with the will of the international community." Clinton went on to say that the US wants to "Prevent [Hussein] from threatening his neighbors," with weapons of mass destruction.

The US ambassador to the UN, Bill Richardson, echoed Clinton's sentiment that Iraq still has more work ahead. "We are not ready to lift sanctions until all Security Council resolutions are complied with by Iraq," he said.

"We will continue to pursue diplomacy with full strength, and we expect the U2 to continue to fly" said Sandy Berger , the US national security advisor.

Iraq has not made clear the details of the agreement, and the US has already stated that the it is not bound by this agreement, describing it as an agreement between Russia and Iraq.

Despite US denials, It will be clearer tomorrow at the UN security council session what the terms of the agreements were.

Previous Stories:
  Albright's tour fails to gain support from Gulf states   (11/19/1997)
  Russia takes lead role in Iraq negotiations   (11/19/1997)
  Full speed ahead for the Nimitz battleship on way Gulf, troubled Iraq   (10/4/1997)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search