The credibility of the United Nations as an effective force for peace is now on the line. After two days of talks, Iraq has agreed to U.N. terms and will allow inspectors back in to the country. Hans Blix, Executive chairman of the U.N. Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), told reporters that Baghdad
"accepts all the rights of inspection provided for in all the relevant Security Council resolutions."
He noted that, "clarified that all sites are subject to immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access; however, the memorandum of understanding of 1998 establishes special procedures for access to eight presidential sites."
"accepts all the rights of inspection provided for in all the relevant Security Council resolutions."
He noted that, "clarified that all sites are subject to immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access; however, the memorandum of understanding of 1998 establishes special procedures for access to eight presidential sites."
Clearly, this should end all threats of renewed war and require no further action by the Security Council. The matter is now in the hands of UNMOVIC and plans are being made to implement the inspections.
Questioned about objections by the United States and United Kingdom to preconditions regarding presidential compounds, Mr. Blix noted that the memorandum of understanding had been endorsed by the Security Council.
Questioned about objections by the United States and United Kingdom to preconditions regarding presidential compounds, Mr. Blix noted that the memorandum of understanding had been endorsed by the Security Council.