Saddam Hussein: Support UN Weapons Inspections - 2002-12-05 Despite the fact that UN weapons inspectors have not yet succeeded in finding evidence of prohibited weapons in Iraq, the United States claims its statements regarding the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq are based on solid grounds. Ari Fleischer, White House spokesman, stated today that if the issue of Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction were not true, President Bush would not assertively claim that Iraq has such weapons. The Bush administration is urging the United Nations to increase the number and scope of its inspections in Iraq and to send more inspectors to the country. However, Saddam Hussein, the President of Iraq, has called on his people to support the UN weapons inspections as it provides an opportunity to refute the American claims regarding the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The Iraqi leader made these remarks today at a gathering of senior Iraqi officials during Eid al-Fitr, which were broadcast on Iraqi television. This is Saddam Hussein's first public statement regarding UN weapons inspections since the resumption of the inspectors' search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The inspectors, who have faced scrutiny from both Iraq and the US, have suspended their work today and tomorrow in observance of Eid al-Fitr.
Saddam Hussein: Support UN Weapons Inspections - 2002-12-05
Saddam Hussein urges Iraqi citizens to support UN weapons inspections amid US claims of Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction. The Bush administration insists on the validity of its assertions, despite no evidence found by inspectors. This situation highlights the escalating tensions between Iraq and the US leading up to the Iraq War.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Saddam Hussein publicly urged Iraqi citizens to support UN weapons inspections, countering U.S. claims of Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction. The U.S. government maintained that its assertions were based on solid evidence despite no findings from inspectors.
- The U.S. called for increased UN inspections in Iraq.
- Saddam's statement was made during a public gathering and broadcasted on television.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
In the early 2000s, the U.S. accused Iraq of possessing weapons of mass destruction, leading to heightened tensions and calls for military action. The UN inspections were a critical element in assessing these claims.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%