MoD Information

Weapons Inspectors-More Time

Sat, February 15, 2003

Source: Ananova News

Tony Blair says UN inspectors will get more time to establish the truth about Saddam Hussein's weapons

Tony Blair says UN inspectors will get more time to establish the truth about Saddam Hussein's weapons. The Prime Minister gave his first reaction to the weapons inspectors' second report to the UN Security Council at Labour's spring conference in Glasgow.

He said: "Dr Blix reported to the UN yesterday and there will be more time given to inspections. He will report again on 28 February."

But he was dismissive of recent concessions by Saddam, saying: "To anyone familiar with Saddam's tactics of deception and evasion, there is a weary sense of deja vu.

"As ever, at the last minute, concessions are made. And as ever, it is the long finger that is directing them. The concessions are suspect. Unfortunately the weapons are real."

Mr Blair insisted his determination to deal with Saddam was motivated by conviction.

In an impassioned message to those taking part in today's anti-war demonstrations, Mr Blair said: "I rejoice that we live in a country where peaceful protest is a natural part of our democratic process.

"But I ask the marchers to understand this: I do not seek unpopularity as a badge of honour. But sometimes it is the price of leadership and the cost of conviction."

He added: "As you watch your TV pictures of the march, ponder this: If there are 500,000 on that march, that is still less than the number of people whose deaths Saddam has been responsible for.

"If there are one million, that is still less than the number of people who died in the wars he started."