US Secretary of State Colin Powell has rejected a move by Iraq inviting the chief United Nations weapons inspector to Baghdad to discuss the resumption of inspections halted amid acrimony in December 1998. The new Iraqi move had earlier drawn a skeptical reaction from Britain, but broad support from Russia, which opposes US military action.
Powell, speaking to reporters ahead of meetings with Philippine officials in Manila, accused Iraq of attempting to "change the goalposts" and wriggle out of their obligations. "The Iraqis have constantly tried to find their way around their obligations with respect to inspections," he said, according to AFP.
"They understand what is required of them and there is no need for further clarification or discussion of a comprehensive approach. It is clear, it is spelled out, inspections aren't the issue, disarmament is the issue."
Earlier, US National Security Council spokesman Sean McCormack said that any discussion on renewed inspections should be "very short". "What he (Saddam) should say is: 'Yes, I accept any time, anywhere, any place unfettered inspections'," he said.
The invitation was made in a letter Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri sent Thursday. "I have the honor of informing you of the Iraqi government's desire to hold in Baghdad a new round of technical talks between Iraqi experts and the chief UN weapons inspector as soon as possible," Sabri said in the letter. (Albawaba.com)
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