Chemical weapons reports anger Iraq
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BAGHDAD - Iraq yesterday described a senior UN official as a toy in the hands of venomous snakes, after he said arms inspectors would investigate reports that Baghdad used chemical weapons on Shia Muslims.
Rolf Ekeus, head of the UN Special Commission in charge of scrapping Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, said on Wednesday that he had no evidence yet that Iraq had used chemical weapons to drive Shias from the marshes in southern Iraq, but added: 'We will investigate to the degree it is technically and practically possible.'
'Despite his 'formal neutrality', Mr Ekeus is like someone who has lost touch with the ground, turning into a toy in the hands of venomous snakes in the East and West,' Iraq's state newspaper al-Jumhuriyah said. 'He rushes to any hiss saying Iraq did this or that.'
Human rights groups have quoted Shia refugees fleeing from Iraq to Iran as saying Baghdad used chemical weapons in the marshes region during September and October. Mr Ekeus said his commission was gleaning information from these groups to pinpoint areas where the weapons might have been used. Reuter
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments