MoD Information

UN inspectors demand Iraqi evidence

Tue, November 26, 2002

Source: UN

UN weapons inspector warns Iraq it must provide proof that it no longer has weapons of mass destruction.

UN inspectors demand Iraqi evidence

As 100 UN weapons inspectors prepare to commence their operations on Wednesday the chief weapons inspector stressed that inspectors would go anywhere at any time without prior notice. 

Reporting on his recent talks with Iraqi officials, Mr. Blix said they had pledged full cooperation with the inspections process. The UN side had emphasized the importance of the declaration by Baghdad - due by 8 December - concerning its weapons of mass destruction, and the Iraqi delegation voiced uncertainty as to how to prepare the text. Mr. Blix, along with IAEA chief Mohammad ElBaradei, declined to interpret the Council resolution that mandated the declaration, but stressed that all proscribed items must be acknowledged.

Commenting on the heavy media interest in the UN's work in Iraq, Mr. Blix emphasized that no reporters would be allowed at inspection sites. The Iraqi side said it might invite the press to sites following inspections.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Blix was asked about Iraq's contention that it has no weapons of mass destruction. He replied that during talks with officials in Baghdad, he had suggested that "they should look into all their stores and stocks."

Pressed further on the question, he said, "The production of mustard gas is not exactly the same as the production of marmalade - you do expect those who produce chemical weapons to keep some track of what [they] have produced," he said. "That is in their own interest, and I'm sure they do." In order to be believed, Iraq must provide either the weapons that remain or full accounts, he stressed.

Concerning presidential sites, Mr. Blix said the UN had emphasized that it would inspect all locations on an equal basis. "The Iraqis said they are content to cooperate in all respects under the resolution; they did remark, however, that ministerial buildings and presidential sites are not the same as factories, and that is undeniable," he reported.