Blix still plans to set disarmament targets
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.Hans Blix, the chief United Nations weapons inspector, said yesterday that he was still planning to produce a list of disarmament targets for Saddam Hussein to meet in the coming months.
President George Bush set today as the deadline for the UN to demand Iraq's immediate disarmament. Mr Blix said his report would be ready today – a day early – which is expected to strengthen the hand of France and other opponents of war.
The Security Council was scheduled to meet this afternoon to discuss a proposal by France, Germany and Russia calling for more time for inspections.
In the past two weeks, Mr Blix has told reporters he has received "quite a lot of paper from the Iraqis" on weapons issues. "They are very pro-active, and this, of course, is one requirement of the resolution, that they should be active," he said.
Iraq submitted a 25-page report on VX nerve agent on Friday and Mr Blix said he hoped to have an assessment for the Council on whether it answers any outstanding questions. He urged Iraq to search for more documents, because that's "the best kind of evidence" to clear up suspicions about its weapons.
Mr Blix said he had no plans to evacuate between 140 and 150 UN weapons inspectors now in Iraq.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments