Iraq resumes celebrating victory

Iraq resumed celebrating its agreement with the United Nations, praising it as a victory against the United States and a big step toward lifting the sanctions. Iraqi diplomats said UNSCOM chairman Richard Butler is the big loser in this agreement.

Iraqi television broadcast songs, while joyful demonstrations were held in Iraqi cities to celebrate the victory achieved by the Iraqis with the leadership of President Saddam Hussein against the forces of evil, Iraqi newspapers said.

An Iraqi spokesman said that US President Clinton's decision to keep US forces in the Gulf proves hostile US intentions against not only the Iraqi people, but against Islamic and Arab countries.

An Iraqi spokesman said the agreement recently signed by the Iraqi leadership with UN Secreatry-General Kofi Annan "made the American administration lose its temper." Riad al-Quaysi from the Iraqi foreign ministry said his country's agreement with Annan allowed quick inspection operations in the presidential sites.

He also referred to the absence of a specific time frame in the agreement, expressing his belief that the inspection operations will end as soon as possible.