UN Security Council Members' Opinions on Colin Powell's Remarks - 2003-02-05

Key members of the UN Security Council, after hearing the remarks of US Secretary of State Colin Powell and viewing evidence regarding Iraq's weapons programs, remain divided on the next steps to resolve the Iraq crisis. Dominique De Villepin, the French Foreign Minister, stated that inspectors should continue their work but emphasized that Iraq must actively cooperate with the weapons inspectors. Tang Jiaxuan, the Chinese Foreign Minister, said that more time should be given to inspectors to eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, noting that they are not in a position to reach conclusions on disarmament. Igor Ivanov, the Russian Foreign Minister, called for a political solution to the Iraq issue and stated that the UN offers the best solution to the problem. He regarded Powell's speech as very serious and said that Iraq must respond to the questions raised in it. Ivanov insisted that the text of Powell's remarks should be immediately provided to UN weapons inspectors, who, according to him, should continue their work. Jack Straw, the British Foreign Secretary, asserted that Iraq has no intention of giving up its weapons of mass destruction and intends to ignore the last opportunity given for a peaceful resolution. He stated that Saddam Hussein must face serious consequences for failing to disarm.