BAHRAIN: UN'S CHIEF WEAPONS INSPECTOR ARRIVES IN BAHRAIN

Описание: (17 Jan 1998) English/Nat

Richard Butler, the chief U-N weapons inspector, arrived in the Gulf nation of Bahrain on Saturday en route to Iraq.

Butler called Iraq's reluctance to grant the U-N access to weapons sites "mystifying" and said that Iraq's compliance is the only way to end U-N imposed sanctions in the region.

Butler is expected to travel Monday to Baghdad, where he is expected to meet Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz and other high-ranking officials and demand access to all sites and information on weapons programs.

The United Nations announced late Thursday that it was withdrawing American Scott Ritter and his team from Baghdad in what U-N officials said was part of the regular rotation. But Ritter's departure by no means removes all the sore points between the United Nations and the Iraqis.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We are in a very serious moment now. Its not a light matter that the Security Council has taken the decision that it has. My instructions are very clear. I earnest hope that on Monday and Tuesday in Baghdad we find a solution to these problems because we must. (Q - What is the solution that you're looking for?) Well, we must have the access we require. Its quite mystifying in fact that Iraq doesn't seem to be willing to that or understand it, because if we have that access we will be able to verify what remains of their weapons of mass destruction and get rid of them and then there would be an end to sanctions. Now, that's very simple story, its truthful and clear. They on the other hand have concerns about their sovereignty and security. We're pledged to take that into account. The solution lies somewhere in that region. I do hope we find it because otherwise I think there's going to be nothing but further crisis.
SUPER CAPTION: Richard Butler

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