Berlin: United Nations' weapons inspections must eliminate all weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the Middle East, particularly in Israel, Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri said on September 15.

"Iraq's sovereignty must be respected, and the inspections must result in the easing of sanctions against Iraq and the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, particularly in Israel," Sabri said.

Speaking to German television news station N24, Sabri said that Israel had an enormous arsenal of nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) weapons and long-range missiles.

"We could let the UN inspectors return, but what about our right to security? The United States could attack Iraq tomorrow. What about our security and that of the Iraqi people?" he said.

"We accept the resolutions. We did not expel the inspectors. They were withdrawn. Their return can only be part of applying UN resolutions," said Sabri, who was speaking from New York.

Washington wants to remove Iraqi leader Saddam Hussain from power and force Iraq to comply with UN resolutions, including the return of inspectors to check whether Baghdad is developing weapons of mass destruction.