Hans Blix, head of the UN weapons inspection team, says he hopes the Security Council will quickly decide on approving a new resolution against Iraq, which is supported by the United States. He states that it would be inappropriate for this resolution to be passed after the inspectors enter Iraq and begin searching for prohibited weapons of mass destruction. Hans Blix is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell on Friday (today) to discuss the recent agreement between Iraq and the United Nations in Vienna, which allows inspectors to resume the search for prohibited weapons; however, they will not have unlimited access to all suspected sites, including the numerous palaces of Saddam Hussein. Washington is pressuring the Security Council to approve a resolution emphasizing the unlimited access of inspectors and threatens to take action itself if the Security Council refuses.
Security Council's Decision on Approving a New Resolution Against Iraq - 2002-10-04
The UN Security Council is considering a new resolution against Iraq, supported by the U.S., as weapons inspectors prepare to enter the country. Hans Blix, the head of the inspection team, emphasizes the need for a swift decision before the inspectors begin their work. This situation highlights the tensions surrounding Iraq's compliance with disarmament obligations.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The UN Security Council is considering a new resolution against Iraq, supported by the U.S., as weapons inspectors prepare to enter the country. Hans Blix emphasizes the need for a swift decision before the inspectors begin their work.
- The resolution seeks to ensure unlimited access for weapons inspectors in Iraq.
- The U.S. threatens unilateral action if the Security Council does not approve the resolution.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
In the early 2000s, Iraq was accused of developing weapons of mass destruction, leading to heightened tensions with the U.S. and its allies. The UN inspections were a critical component of international efforts to ensure disarmament.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%