United Nations
Britain and America yesterday agreed to use military force against Iraq if President Saddam Hussein continues to block United Nations arms inspections. The agreement was made after a meeting in London between George Robertson, the Defence Secretary, and William Cohen, his American counterpart. The two countries emphasized that all options
United Nations
US Defense Secretary William S. Cohen yesterday warned Iraq that it could face military attack if it continues to defy U.N. sanctions, in a stern response to Baghdad's decision to halt all cooperation with U.N. weapons inspectors. Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz reiterated
United Nations
US lawmakers, led by House International Relations Committee Chairman Ben Gilman and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, announced plans to introduce a bill that would provide $97 million in military aid to democratic opponents of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. They aim to "finally and irrevocably" commit the United
United Nations
U.N. arms inspectors reported to the United States in 1996 and 1997 that they had credible intelligence indicating Iraq was closer than previously believed to developing nuclear weapons. According to the Washington Post, Iraq had built and maintained three or four "implosion devices" that lacked only cores
United Nations
Former UN inspector Scott Ritter alleges that despite having information on Iraq's hidden nuclear bombs, no surprise inspection has been ordered. According to Ritter, Iraq is in possession of three technologically complete nuclear bombs, lacking only fissionable materials to make them operational. This revelation comes as the UN
United Nations
The Clinton administration's efforts to handle Iraq's noncompliance with U.N. weapons inspections have been marred by reports of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright secretly discouraging surprise visits by inspectors, which is seen as a blow to U.S. credibility and the prospects of Saddam Hussein
United Nations
As the White House grapples with accusations of interfering with U.N. weapons inspectors in Iraq, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and the State Department are facing increasing scrutiny. According to reports in The London Times and The Washington Post, the Clinton administration has successfully blocked the inspectors' access
Iraq
Iraq is allegedly planning to purchase crucial guidance equipment for its long-range ballistic missiles from a Russian company, in breach of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). The deal, reportedly worth $1.2 million, involves the sale of 120 accelerometers, which are the primary components of advanced guidance and control
Iraq
Richard Butler, the UN chairman of the commission responsible for eliminating Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, is set to return to Baghdad for his third round of discussions with Iraqi leaders. Butler is expected to face a barrage of criticism and propaganda from Iraq's Deputy Prime
United Nations
Iraq's oil infrastructure needs emergency funds to increase production and export capacity to meet an expanded oil sale, according to a report by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The report, which was released this week, confirmed Baghdad's view that its oil infrastructure needs $300 million in
United Nations
Labour MP George Galloway is set to escort a four-year-old Iraqi girl, Mariam Hamza, to Britain for leukemia treatment, thanks to the personal intervention of Foreign Secretary Robin Cook. The move has sparked a mixed reaction, with some criticising it as a publicity stunt. Galloway met Mariam during a visit
United Nations
U.N. inspectors, accompanied by diplomats from 20 countries, spent eight hours at President Saddam Hussein's Radwaniyah Palace, a sprawling complex of 6.9 square miles, amidst an agreement to avert a military strike against Iraq. The team visited several villas, artificial lakes, and streets lined with palm
