IRAQ’S RESPONSE

“Iraq accepted to deal with Resolution 1441 based on the fact that this is the means to reach a solution to the so-called issue of the disarmament of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction. Following three rounds of technical negotiations with the United Nations, following the return of inspectors to Iraq, Iraq indeed provided all that may fall within the concept of a proactive Iraqi cooperation.”

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“Iraq submitted the declaration required under Paragraph 3 of Resolution 1441 in record time. The declaration contained many documents on previous Iraqi programs in the nuclear, chemical, biological and ballistic fields.”

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“Iraq’s doors were open to the inspection teams without restrictions or conditions. And the entire world was surprised at this level of unprecedented cooperation. We know that some states were not very happy with this cooperation. In fact, some would wish Iraq obstructed inspections, closed doors. But this did not and will not happen because Iraq genuinely decided to prove that it is free of weapons of mass destruction and to lift any doubt in that regard.”

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“We would like to stress that Iraq has chosen the path of peace. We want to reach solutions that satisfy the international community. We are prepared to provide all means to assist in clarifying the real picture to avoid the objectives of those who are ill-intentioned, who wish to ignite a war in Iraq with incalculable consequences toward clear colonial objectives.”