UN Secretary-General Appeals to Iraq to Drop Weapons Inspection Ban as Crisis Escalates

Strategic Insights -

UN Secretary-General Mr. Kofi Annan today appealed to Iraq to drop its decision to end cooperation with UN arms inspectors, warning of dire consequences for the Iraqi people, the region, and the world if the crisis is not resolved through diplomacy. The appeal came as Iraq's President Saddam Hussein gathered his top ministers and military commanders for crisis talks, showing no signs of yielding to pressure to reverse the October 31 decision. Meanwhile, President Bill Clinton and US officials expressed hope that Iraq would comply, but warned that military action was a possibility if diplomacy fails.

Key Takeaways:

  • UN Secretary-General Mr. Kofi Annan appealed to Iraq to drop its decision to end cooperation with UN arms inspectors, saying it would be for the good of the Iraqi people, the region, and the world.
  • President Saddam Hussein gathered his top ministers and military commanders for crisis talks, showing no signs of yielding to pressure to reverse the October 31 decision.
  • The UN Security Council held a special session last night in a last bid to search for a diplomatic solution to the tense stand-off.
  • The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) allowed to continue its independent oversight of Iraq's nuclear weapons capability may withdraw its workers in line with UNSCOM's lead.
  • UN officials express hope that Iraq would comply with UN demands, but warned that military action was a possibility if diplomacy fails.
  • The Security Council held emergency meetings to try to resolve the crisis through diplomacy.

Statistics:

  • 31 October: Iraq announced its decision to end cooperation with UN arms inspectors.
  • 5 August: Iraq put a ban on random inspections of possible weapons sites, calling for an end to economic sanctions imposed upon it.
  • 12 days ago: Iraq rejected UN Secretary-General Mr. Annan's offer for a "comprehensive review" of its relationship with the UN following the UN's refusal to attach a timetable for lifting sanctions to the review.
  • 2000+ US troops and warplanes were dispatched to the Gulf for possible military strikes.
  • UNSCOM inspectors were ordered out of Iraq as a precautionary measure due to concerns for their safety.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, November 11, 1998
  • Associated Press, November 11, 1998
  • United Nations Press Release, November 10, 1998
  • BBC World News, November 11, 1998