Crisis averted: Clinton approves UN-Iraq deal
Iraq, International, 2/23/1998

US President Bill Clinton welcomed the agreement between UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Iraq, with reservations about unspecified "details that need to be spelled out," after the US received a copy of the agreement.

Clinton said that he will allow Annan to announce the details of the agreement he reached.

The agreement also provides for the establishment of a "system for long-term monitoring" of Iraq once UNSCOM inspections are completed. This system would be aimed at ensuring that Iraq does not rebuild its weapons of mass destruction.

Clinton said "the system works," referring to the inspection process, and adding that "our tough response was essential" to get Saddam Hussien to allow the inspectors in.

As part of the agreement, there will be diplomats accompanying the UNSCOM inspectors as they do their work in Iraq.

However, Clinton said that the US will judge Iraq by its actions. "What really matters is Iraq's compliance," Clinton said.

Clinton said that "if implemented," the agreement will provide the unlimited access to all sites for which the US had asked.

However, the US will keep its troops in the region "in force" until Iraq complies with the agreement. Clinton restated the US threat of "serious" consequences would Iraq not implement the agreement.

President Clinton said, "We also should have the confidence and forbearance to do what is right," reflecting on the decision to give diplomacy a chance.

Previous Stories:
  Awaiting approval of UN - Iraq agreement   (2/23/1998)
  Baghdad to Washington: lets talk   (2/21/1998)
  Elements of the solution to the Iraqi crisis   (2/20/1998)

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