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STATEMENT BY THE DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON
FRANCE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
August 6, 2002
Excerpts
Q - What happened yesterday during the meeting of the Fifteen with regard to Iraq's invitation to Blix to visit Baghdad?
That occasion was the monthly lunch with the Secretary-General. They did indeed discuss this issue, in regard to which I would like to note the following. The Security Council's objective is the return of inspectors without preconditions, without delay, and in accordance with Security Council resolutions. Resolution 1284, in particular, is completely unambiguous with regard to the mandate and calendar for resuming inspections. This has been the subject of discussions between the UN Secretary-General and the Iraqis since last March. France supports the efforts of the Secretary-General, Mr. Blix and Mr. El Baradei within the framework of this process. France hopes that these technical discussions will continue in accordance with the legal framework provided by 1284 and will notably help define the practical modalities for the inspectors' return. Yesterday's meeting confirmed that each of the Council members believes that resolution 1284 gives the Secretary-General a clear mandate. Yesterday the Council unanimously maintained its confidence in Mr. Annan, Mr. Blix and Mr. El Baradei to pursue the current process and bring about the return of the inspectors.
Q - Iraq has launched a new initiative with the president of the Iraqi parliament inviting American congressmen to visit Iraq, accompanying experts and specialists in chemical, biological and nuclear weapons to verify on the ground the absence of such weaponry there. Do you think that is a step toward the resumption of inspections in Iraq?
If you believe that members of the U.S. Congress are inspectors and experts on disarmament, then it would be indeed a step in that direction, but I don't think that is their m_tier. As far as we are concerned, our position on the subject is very clear. Resolution 1284 exists and must be applied. We have three concerns and one demand. The first concern is that Iraq never again become a threat to regional stability or security. The second is the humanitarian situation of the Iraqi people. The third is the unity of the international community, and particularly that of the Security Council. And we have one demand: the return of UN inspectors to Iraq without delay, so that they can do their job without obstacles.
Q - Did you encourage Mr. Annan and Mr. Blix to accept the invitation?
We reiterated two things to Mr. Annan, Mr. Blix and Mr. El Baradei: first, our faith in the efforts they've been making, and second, with regard to Mr. Annan, our support for the efforts he has undertaken since March. We also reiterated our chief concern, which is the return of inspectors and Iraq's respect for Security Council resolutions.
Mr. Annan spoke to the press himself after the meeting and did not rule out Mr. Blix going to Iraq for technical discussions. He also wants clarifications from the Iraqi authorities. For us, the central point is the return of the inspectors.