STATEMENT BY PRINCE SAUD AL-FAISAL
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

BEFORE THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SAUDI MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

September 19, 2002

Excerpt

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Mr President: There is another problem which has reached crisis proportions, and which has become a source of grave danger to the security and stability of the Middle East, namely, the issue of Iraq and its implementation of the resolutions of the Security Council. President Bush mentioned in his speech before the General Assembly the need to refer this matter to the Security Council for the appropriate resolutions. This represents a new and positive trend. Doubtless, this step has paved the way for a new climate, one that recently resulted in the decision of the Iraqi government to allow the unconditional return of inspectors. This development, which will avert confrontation through diplomatic means, shows that a positive step, in most cases, will lead to a reciprocal positive step. It is appropriate, at this point, to express satisfaction with the Iraqi government’s prompt response to the call of the Ministerial Committee of the Arab League, which met on the sidelines of the General Assembly. We believe that the responsibility now lies with the Security Council to undertake serious efforts to alleviate the suffering of the fraternal Iraqi people.

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