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U.N. Members Pressure U.S. to Soften Resolution on Iraq

E.U., Russia agree on diplomatic solution

Friday, October 18, 2002
l'Agence France-Presse

Iraqi UN ambassador Mohamed Al-Douri accused the United States of trying to impose impossible conditions on the return of inspectors in order to have a pretext to attack and colonise Iraq. "The United States wants the United Nations to give it a blank cheque to occupy Iraq, and not only Iraq but the entire Arab Middle East," Al-Douri said.

United Nations -- AFP
The UN Security Council opened debate on Wednesday on Iraq with member states urging the United States and Britain to give arms inspections a chance before threatening to attack.

Most speakers on the first day of an open council session said the inspectors should have a chance to resume their work now that Iraq had agreed to let them in. Most, however, also insisted Iraq fulfill UN demands it dismantle all weapons of mass destruction.

The meeting was called at the request of South Africa's ambassador, Dumisani Kumalo, spokesman for the non-aligned nations movement, in order to allow countries without seats on the council to express their views.

Those calling for restraint included Iran and Kuwait, both of which have been invaded by Iraq.
(More: The Daily Star News Source)
2002 © l'Agence France-Presse.

Dan