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Iraq's invitation to UN weapons inspector evokes mixed reaction

Dharam Shourie in New York

Differences have surfaced among the United Nations Security Council members on the Iraqi proposal, which might restart the arms inspection process in that country.

While the United States and Britain have termed it as a 'ploy', Russia and France welcomed it as a 'positive step'.

Britain said Iraqi President Saddam Hussein had a 'long history of playing games and his track record shows he does not deliver'.

Washington also rejected the Iraqi move saying 'disarmament was the issue and not inspections'.

"Iraq is trying to change the goalposts and wriggle out of obligations. They understand what is required of them and there is no need for clarification or discussion... it is clear, it is spelled out, inspections are not the issue; disarmament is," US Secretary of State Colin Powell said.

The UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, however, is inclined to discuss the Iraqi letter in which the Foreign minister Naji Sabri proposed inviting chief UN weapons inspector Hans Blix for technical talks, possibly leading to the resumption of arms inspections in that country.

Annan responded cautiously saying it was 'at variance with the (procedure) laid down by the Security Council'.

Russia and France also adopted a positive approach saying the proposal was an important step in resolving the issue through 'political and diplomatic means'.

The Iraqi letter invites Blix and arms experts for a 'comprehensive review' that will be an important step towards 'legal and technical assessment and treatment of issues of disarmament and to establish a solid base for the next stage of monitoring and inspection activities...'.

PTI

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