UN chief statements on Iraq
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan stressed on Monday night in Abu Dhabi that there will be a comprehensive revision of sanctions imposed on Iraq if "Iraq cooperates with UNSCOM" within weeks.
In a press conference he held on the sidelines of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) 19th summit currently being held in Abu Dhabi, Annan said that the UN wants Iraq to cooperate and prove it abides to the implementation of UN resolutions. Annan added that it is "sometimes necessary to get acquainted with documents relating to armament." This matter is very important for the committee's work, he said, adding, UNSCOM inspectors have the right to ask for any of these documents, thereby their task is hard.
Replying to a question on whether he has plans to appoint an alternative to UNSCOM chief Richard Butler, whose statements are often controversial, Annan said UNSCOM is doing all its best. "I know that the language Butler sometimes uses is sharp and free from diplomacy. A matter which raises regret in many people in the world."
He added that UNSCOM is authorized to make sure that Iraq has eliminated its weapons, does not possess weapons of mass destruction and is not able to reproduce such weapons.
Annan refrained from commenting on the new US policy which intends to interfere in the internal affairs of Iraq by toppling the government. He said, "The UN Security Council resolutions are clear, and on its bases the mission of the UN Secretary General is built."
On the Palestinian - Israeli track, Annan expressed hope that Wye River agreement will be fully implemented in order to open the way "as he claimed" before resuming talks on all tracks.
He considered the Wye agreement to be an encouraging development following the state of suspicious attitudes between Israel and the Palestinian Authority."
He called upon the Gulf countries to improve the living conditions in the Palestinian self-rule areas, noting that this will be a precondition to achieving peace.
Concerning the question of Lockerbie, Annan said that his talks with Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi were "positive," adding the Libyans understand the heart of the matter but they have their own way of making decisions and they have to give their answer before December 21.
Later in the day, Annan left Abu Dhabi for Paris after he took part in the opening of the 19th GCC summit.
Before he left Annan met with the Saudi crown prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz and discussed with him middle east issues especially the ME peace process.