United Nations: In a remark that could give more ammunition to the US case for a war
on Iraq, United Nations chief weapons inspector Hans Blix has said Baghdad still has
not made a "fundamental decision" to disarm.
Hours before he submitted a 16-page report on Iraqi co-operation to Secretary
General Kofi Annan on February 26, Blix said a breakthrough in full co-operation by
Iraq is still lacking. "I do not think I can say there is evidence of a fundamental
decision to disarm, but there is some evidence of increased activity," he said.
Welcoming Iraq's recent letters that had new information about its weapons
programmes, Blix however said they did not represent "full co-operation or a
breakthrough'.'
The al-Samoud 2 missile Iraq was asked to destroy "is a very important matter
because there is a programme that involves a lot of hardware…so a positive response
to that is an important thing, and I hope we will have it in time,'' Blix said.
He said the letters from Iraq about two R-400 aerial bombs – one of which may be
filled with a biological agent – and about the finding of handwritten documents on
the 1991 disposal of chemical and biological weapons "are potentially interesting''
and will have to be examined.
Diplomats noted distinct change in the tone of Blix since he presented his last
report on February 14.
His new report is bound to be on the lines of his remarks to the press and provide
ammunition to the United States and its allies now seeking authorisation of military
action against Iraq.
A decision by Baghdad to start destroying its al-Samoud 2 missiles as demanded by
the inspectors would be a major test of Iraqi co-operation, he said.
Annan will send Blix's report to the Security Council, to which Blix is expected to
present a verbal report on March 7 ahead of the deadline by the US to seek vote on
the second resolution authorising military action against Iraq.
Diplomats and officials at the United Nations are closely watching whether Iraq
starts destroying its al-Samoud 2 missiles, which the inspectors have determined has
a range of more than 150 km prescribed by the Council.
PTI
