Sarajevo

18 November 2002

Statement attributable to the Secretary-General on the return of weapons inspectors to Iraq

Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General

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 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.