U.N. Inspectors Conduct First Test of Iraq Deal, Finding "Fantastic" Cooperation

Strategic Insights -

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 trees, marking the first test of the February 23 deal that pledged Iraq to open previously off-limits sites. Horst Holthoff of Germany described Iraqi cooperation as "fantastic, absolutely positive," while Saeed Sad of Sudan called it an "extremely important mission for the international community."

Key Takeaways:

  • U.N. inspectors conducted an eight-hour survey mission at President Saddam Hussein's Radwaniyah Palace, marking the first test of the February 23 agreement between Iraq and U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
  • The palace complex spans approximately 6.9 square miles, featuring several villas, artificial lakes, and streets lined with palm trees.
  • Diplomats from 20 countries accompanied the inspectors, with representatives from Germany, Sudan, China, and the United States participating in the mission.
  • Horst Holthoff of Germany praised Iraqi cooperation as "fantastic, absolutely positive," while Saeed Sad of Sudan described the mission as an "extremely important" step for the international community.
  • The inspection marked a significant first step in implementing the February 23 agreement, which averted the threat of military strikes by the United States and Britain.
  • U.N. officials have stated that their primary focus is on searching surrounding buildings in the presidential compounds for documents related to Iraq's elimination of weapons of mass destruction.

Statistics:

  • 8 hours: duration of the inspection mission at Radwaniyah Palace
  • 20 countries: number of nations that sent diplomats to accompany U.N. inspectors
  • 6.9 square miles: estimated size of the Radwaniyah Palace complex
  • 12 villas: minimum number of villas within the Radwaniyah Palace complex
  • 5 artificial lakes: number of lakes within the Radwaniyah Palace complex
  • 2 locations: number of locations inspected within the Radwaniyah Palace area

Sources:

  • Associated Press, BAGHDAD, Iraq -- (no date or author mentioned)
  • U.N. sources in New York (no date or author mentioned)
  • U.N. spokeswoman Janet Sullivan (no date or author mentioned)
  • Diplomats from 20 countries, including Germany's Horst Holthoff and Sudan's Saeed Sad.