Clinton Reiterates US Position on Iraq Crisis as Annan Heads to Baghdad

President Clinton underscored the United States' commitment to the United Nations Security Council resolutions on Iraq, emphasizing that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein must comply for the crisis to end. Clinton's remarks came as United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan was en route to Baghdad in a final diplomatic effort to avert military action. The President reassured that the US would be prepared to act if diplomacy fails, citing the scheduled deployment of the full national security team to take part in deliberations and decisions. Clinton also expressed skepticism about Iraqi protests, stating that "most Americans support our policy" and warning against taking heart from such demonstrations.

Key Takeaways:

• President Clinton reiterated the US position that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein must comply fully with United Nations Security Council resolutions for the crisis to end.
• Clinton emphasized the importance of Iraq granting weapons inspectors "full, free, unfettered access" to all suspected sites.
• The President stated that any diplomatic resolution must meet the UN Security Council resolutions passed at the end of the Gulf War.
• Clinton cautioned the Iraqi people not to be swayed by protests, saying that most Americans support the US policy on Iraq.
• Secretary of State Madeleine Albright expressed her support for a strong stance against Saddam Hussein, saying she believes "there were more Americans who would really like us to go in and finish Saddam Hussein."
• The US national security team, including Secretary Albright, Defense Secretary William Cohen, CIA Director George Tenet, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Army Gen. Hugh Shelton, has been strategizing on how to address Saddam's refusal to allow unfettered inspections.

Statistics:

• The UN Security Council resolutions passed at the end of the Gulf War require Iraq to grant weapons inspectors full access to all suspected sites.
• President Clinton has asked Vice President Al Gore to postpone a trip to South Africa in case a military action becomes necessary.
• UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's mission is expected to end on Sunday, with him returning to New York on Monday.

Sources:

• Clinton, Bill. "Remarks to reporters." February 19, 1998.
• Annan, Kofi. "Mission to Baghdad." Not explicitly stated in the source material.
• Albright, Madeleine. Interview with NBC, February 19, 1998.
• United Press International. "Clinton Reiterates US Position on Iraq Crisis as Annan Heads to Baghdad," February 19, 1998.