The chief U.N. weapons inspectors, wrapping up a two-day visit, urged Iraqi officials on Tuesday to look again in their nuclear, chemical and biological "stocks and stores" to ensure they have no weapons-making to report.
Iraq's position that it has no weapons of mass destruction "must be convincingly shown by documentation, by evidence," said Hans Blix, chief U.N. inspector. "We don't think that has yet been convincingly done."
According to AP, Blix and chief U.N. nuclear watchdog Mohamed ElBaradei spoke with reporters after Iraqi officials confirmed they would meet a U.N. deadline and file by Dec. 8 a comprehensive list of nuclear, chemical and biological programs, including any meant to develop weapons.
Blix and ElBaradei met also with Iraqi Foreign Minister, Naji Sabri. An Iraqi Foreign Ministry statement said Sabri assured the two men of Iraq's readiness to ease the work of the two organizations in such a way as to "refute US allegations that Iraq has been producing mass destruction weapons in the absence of inspectors."
The two U.N. officials offered a "light at the end of the tunnel" for Iraq, however, saying that if the Baghdad government cooperates fully with their inspections, they might be able to report in about one year that it has complied with Security Council requirements and U.N. economic sanctions on Iraq should be lifted.
Blix and ElBaradei left Iraq on Wednesday, flying out of the capital's airport. Their departure was expected. Most of the team stayed behind Wednesday and additional inspectors arrive next Monday. The first field operations are expected by Nov. 27.
ElBaradei, speaking to reporters on arrival in Cyprus hours after leaving Baghdad, said that the work that begins Nov. 27 will be "the real test" of the Iraqis' pledges of cooperation. "We hope their words and commitments will translate on the ground into real, full cooperation," he said.
Blix said the Iraqis had agreed in their discussions to open a U.N. inspectors office in the northern city of Mosul, and to expand their Baghdad office to accommodate the hundreds of international weapons experts who will come and go in coming months.
Bush
Meanwhile, President Bush, who arrived in Prague to take part in a NATO summit, expressed the hope the alliance would help disarm Baghdad if Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein refused to do so peacefully.
"If he refuses to disarm, then we will lead a coalition of the willing and disarm him. And, of course, I hope our NATO friends come with us," Bush told Czech television in an interview released by the White House.
"By remaining strong and united and tough we'll prevail," the president said Wednesday.
In a news conference with Czech President Vaclav Havel, Bush said a military clash with Iraq was his "last choice" —and an avoidable one. It is still possible Saddam could get the message, Bush said. "If the collective will of the world is strong, we can achieve disarmament peacefully," he said.
But, the U.S. leader added, if Saddam refuses to abandon his weapons programs, "the United States will lead a coalition of the willing to disarm him."
"At that point in time, all our nations — we will consult with our friends — and all nations will be able to choose whether or not they want to participate," Bush said.
In Berlin, a top German official said NATO was drafting a statement underlining the alliance's support for "complete implementation" of the Security Council resolution.
The measure, to be considered at the Prague summit Thursday and Friday, would not commit individual NATO states to enforcing the resolution via military means if Baghdad refuses to comply, said the official, who requested anonymity. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
