Clinton Administration Rejects Another Diplomatic Mission to Iraq

Strategic Insights -

As the situation in Iraq remains tense, the Clinton administration has expressed skepticism about another diplomatic mission to the country by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The administration points to the failure of Annan's previous agreement with President Saddam Hussein 10 months ago, which failed to endure despite forestalling airstrikes. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright praised Annan's previous efforts but made it clear that there is no point in sending another high-profile delegation to Baghdad if Saddam Hussein is not committed to keeping his promises.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Clinton administration sees no value in another diplomatic mission to Iraq by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, citing the failure of the previous agreement with President Saddam Hussein.
  • Secretary of State Madeleine Albright praised Annan's previous efforts but stated that there is no point in sending another delegation to Baghdad if Saddam Hussein is not committed to keeping his promises.
  • Albright emphasized the need for Saddam Hussein to rescind his decision to halt UN inspections, a key condition of the cease-fire agreement that ended the Gulf War seven years ago.
  • The six nations that form the Gulf Cooperation Council, plus Egypt and Syria, have issued a statement blaming Saddam Hussein for the consequences of his actions.
  • Despite Russia and France's previous opposition to military action, they have recently expressed a sense of "betrayal" by Saddam Hussein and are now supportive of the US position.
  • Russia's Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov has told Albright that Russia is also "frustrated" with Saddam Hussein.

Statistics:

  • 10 months ago: An agreement was reached between President Saddam Hussein and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on arms inspections that forestalled airstrikes.
  • 7 years ago: The Gulf War ended with a cease-fire agreement that required Iraq to submit to weapons inspections until experts conclude it is free of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and offensive missile systems.
  • 600: The number of Kuwaitis missing since the war.
  • Multiple: The number of telephone conversations between French President Jacques Chirac and President Clinton, in which Chirac expressed support for the US position on Iraq.
  • Russia: Opposes the use of force against Iraq, but has softened its stance in recent days.

Sources:

  • United Press International, November 13, 1998.