Iraq criticizes Gulf states statement

Iraq has strongly criticized Kuwait as being behind a position against Baghdad adopted during a meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council states on Friday in Jeddah.

In press statements issued on Sunday in Baghdad, spokesman for the Iraqi Information Ministry said the final statement issued at the conclusion of the GCC meeting was full of hatred. He stressed that the statement does not represent the view of the Arab Gulf citizens, including the Kuwaitis.

The spokesman added that Iraq did not suspend its cooperation with UNSCOM or with the International Atomic Energy Agency. It rather halted inspection operations.

Earlier, the foreign ministers of the GCC states expressed deep concern over the decision taken by Iraq to suspend cooperation with UNSCOM experts. It called upon Iraq to give up the suspension decision and stop threatening Kuwait's security and independence.