SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES IRAQ’S PRESIDENT TO FULLY COMPLY WITH SECURITY COUNCIL

DEMANDS ‘FOR THE SAKE OF HIS PEOPLE, REGIONAL STABILITY AND WORLD ORDER’

The following statement was made today in Sarajevo, by Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The chief United Nations weapons inspectors, Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei, arrive in Baghdad today to begin a crucial new phase of disarmament.

Security Council Resolution 1441 (2002) states clearly what the Government of Iraq must do.  Acting in unison, Council Members demanded that Iraq grant prompt and unfettered access to all and any sites.

I urge President Saddam Hussein to comply fully with the Council’s demands, for the sake of his people, regional stability and world order.

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