Syria wants more inspections
2003-02-14 19:01
New York - Syrian Foreign Minister Faruq al-Shara told the UN Security
Council on Friday that weapons inspectors in Iraq must be given
more time to complete their work.
"Inspections are bringing about important results, dialogue,
cooperation and mutual confidence between the inspectors and Iraq,"
he said.
"The council must therefore continue to support the inspectors
and allow them sufficient time to undertake their task," he said
following the latest report by UN weapons inspectors.
Syria, which is the main voice of the Arab world on the Security
Council, has been the most vocal opponent of any US-led military
action against Iraq.
"The majority, the great majority of people in the world, are
saying no to this war," he said.
"It will spill over to the entire region. The war will lead to
total anarchy, benefiting solely those who take it upon themselves
to spread fear and destruction everywhere."
"Aren't many justified to wonder also whether such policies are
indicative of double standards," he said, accusing advocates of war
of pursuing a "hidden agenda" in the Middle East.
Shara threw Syria's support behind a French proposal to bolster
the inspectors who are searching for any banned nuclear, biological
or chemical weapons in Iraq.
"We support the French ideas because they are an alternative to
war," he said.
- SAPA