Aziz optimistic about resolving UN inspection problem
Iraq, International, 12/17/1997

After meeting with UN chief weapons inspector Richard Butler, Iraq's deputy PM Tariq Aziz announced that progress had been made in agreeing on a "new method" of evaluating sites. This method would include technical evaluation meetings between expert international personnel, with Iraqi nationals and UNSCOM. They will jointly make recommendations to the UN Security Council.

Aziz after a meeting that included French and Russian officials stated that he believes that "this will make the work of the commission more effective."

Aziz once again called for an end to UN flights of the US-owned U-2 "spying plane" and recommended to Butler that they find a substitute plane from a neutral country, and he indicated that Iraq could provide a plane for this purpose.

Despite the fact that Aziz stressed that Iraq has met the requirements of the Security Council, Aziz went on to say that he is optimistic about making quick progress to convince the inspectors that the requirements have been satisfied.

Commenting about the US threats to take action, Aziz said "they are isolated" referring to the US and that they are "agitating the situation for their political objectives."

He said the issue of inspections of presidential sites, which he stated was only created recently, is being used by the US as a pretext to "prepare grounds for military action." Aziz confirmed Butler's statement that Iraq will never allow inspectors to access presidential sites.

White House spokesman Mike McCurry said "We are awaiting a report from the chairman of UNSCOM to Security Council," and that if the report is unfavorable, "the president will have to assess what other options are available in consultation with other members of the Security Council."

Aziz said Butler had agreed to meet with Iraqi officials again on January 19.

Previous Stories:
  Baghdad bars UN inspectors, invites UNSCOM representatives   (11/28/1997)
  Iraq: US inspection demands beyond agreed limits   (11/24/1997)
  UN weapons inspectors to return to Iraq   (11/20/1997)

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