February 6—Iraq has not complied with UN resolution 1441 calling for disarmament, and must now face the consequences, said U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. Resolution 1441 was unanimously approved by the UN Security Council on November 8. Weapons inspectors were then sent to Iraq to make sure the nation would follow the resolution's demands.
In a 90-minute presentation to the 15-member council, Powell showed satellite photos of weapons facilities and played secretly recorded tapes of telephone conversations to prove his case. His appearance was the most anticipated live television presentation at the UN since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis.
Powell spoke quickly and forcefully as he gave times, dates, and locations of Iraqi noncompliance. He played tapes of telephone conversations where officials discussed moving evidence of chemical weapons and the development of nuclear bombs. More than one tape recording centered on "the evacuation" of both vehicles and chemicals, in particular nerve gas.
Satellite photos showed large trucks and trains entering and leaving weapons sites just a few days before inspectors arrived. He says the Iraqis knew in advance when inspectors were due and were moving evidence.
He ended the presentation with information that Hussein is harboring and training international terrorists, including members of al Qaeda.
"This should not come as a surprise to any of us," Powell said. "Saddam was a supporter of terrorism before any of these terrorist groups had a name."
Council Response
After his remarks, other members of the council spoke in response. British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw began by praising Powell's presentation.
"Time is now short," he said. "Further reports from the inspectors are due by Friday, February 14. If they [Iraqis] do not comply, this council must meet its responsibilities." Straw added, "Turning a blind eye to Iraq's actions would be empowering a dictator who believes that diseases and chemical weapons are acceptable ways to threaten his neighbors."
As expected, representatives from France and Russia spoke against taking immediate action. Each said the inspectors were doing their jobs.
"Our efforts must continue to facilitate the inspection process which has proven its effectiveness," said Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. "We much implement the security council's resolution through peaceful means."
The French spokesman also said the inspections were working.
"Let us go further than this," said French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin "Let us double, triple, the number of inspectors. Let us open more offices."
Iraq Responds
Rounding out the speakers was Mohammed Aldouri, Iraqi ambassador to the United Nations. Everything Powell said was "totally unrelated to the truth," he said.
In his seven minute rebuttal, he said that if Iraq had a relationship with al Qaeda, it would not be ashamed to admit it. The tape recordings cannot be verified and could have been fabricated, he said.
"As of February 4, inspectors have made 575 inspections at 321 sites in Iraq," Aldouri said. "Inspectors ascertained all allegations made are not true."
He declared that Iraq would continue to cooperate with the weapons inspectors. The group then adjourned to a private luncheon hosted by the German delegation.
