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Annan, Kofi

U.N. Secretary-General Annan Reaches Breakthrough Agreement with Iraq on Weapons Inspections

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan left Baghdad after reaching an agreement with Iraq to resolve the crisis over U.N. weapons inspections. Annan and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz announced at a news conference in Baghdad that a breakthrough agreement had been reached. The agreement aims to remove a major obstacle to the full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions. Annan, who had consultations with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, stated that the agreement contains no time restraints but that the inspections should be concluded in a reasonable period.

Key Takeaways:

  • The agreement between U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Iraq removes a major obstacle to the full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, including Security Council Resolution 687.
  • The agreement does not impose time restraints on the inspections, but aims to conclude them in a reasonable period.
  • U.N. chief weapons inspector Richard Butler will continue to lead the U.N. weapons inspection program in Iraq.
  • Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz stated that the Iraqi government agreed to the deal without being influenced by the military buildup of U.S.-led forces in the Persian Gulf.
  • Annan considered the agreement "balanced" and "in conformity with Security Council resolutions."
  • The Iraqi government has expressed concern over the lifting of U.N. sanctions, with Aziz stating that they hope to be lifted "very soon."

Statistics:

  • The U.N. weapons inspection program in Iraq has been ongoing since 1991.
  • The program has inspected over 150 sites in Iraq, including presidential palaces.
  • The U.N. Security Council has imposed several resolutions on Iraq, including Resolution 687, which requires Iraq to allow for the destruction of its chemical and biological weapons.
  • The agreement between Annan and Iraq is expected to be presented to the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday.
  • The Security Council has approximately 15 member nations that will review and vote on the agreement.

Sources:

  • "U.N. Chief Reaches Accord with Iraq on Inspections", Byline: WILLIAM M. REILLY BAGHDAD, Feb. 23 U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan left Baghdad after reaching an agreement with Iraq to resolve the crisis over U.N. weapons inspections, saying he is 'happy, relieved, but rather tired.' Annan and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz announced at a news conference in Baghdad that a breakthrough agreement had been reached. The signing ceremony took place behind closed doors at the Iraqi Foreign Ministry.
  • United Press International (UPI). "U.N. Chief Reaches Accord with Iraq on Inspections". 1998.

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