The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia views as fundamental the principle that it is an indisputable obligation of each country to fully comply with international commitments, including the United Nations resolutions. Latvia has repeatedly expressed regret for the refusal of the Iraqi Government to comply with the UN Security Council resolutions prohibiting the chemical and biological weapons in Iraq.

Latvia has always favoured the peaceful means in the international conflict settlement, therefore we applaud the successful diplomatic effort of the U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan which resulted in memorandum of agreement between the UN and Iraq stating that Iraq must comply with all U.N. resolutions.

Latvia also welcomes and fully supports the UN Security Council resolution No.1154, passesd on March 2, requiring compliance by the Government of Iraq with its obligations, repeated again in the memorandum of understanding, to accord immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access for the Special Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency in conformity with the relevant resolutions is necessary for the implementation of resolution 687.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia is pleased that these international activities have reduced the tension in the Persian Gulf region, however we believe that the prospects for final stabilization can be tested after Iraqi leadership proves its commitments by allowing the inspections of the possible chemical and biological weapons' sites.

Latvia reiterates its readiness, if necessary, to provide support to and act together with the international coalition to ensure implementation of the United Nations resolutions.