Global Policy Forum

Unofficial Transcript

Dr. Blix: Good, any questions?

Reporter: There's been a lot of concerns raised here in that last week or so that some of the elements in the draft resolution (inaudible). How concerned are you that the terms of this draft resolution are too tough, so that could lead ultimately to a conflict?

Dr. Blix: I think the intention is in the draft resolution as to many other statements that we've heard to give very clear signals to what we can do and to avoid what people have referred to as "cat and mouse" play. And in this, it is helpful-we have stressed, both of us, that just as important as clarity in the text and clarity in mandate is the readiness of the Council to uphold the resolution and the prerogatives of the inspectors that there be no sort of fatigue in the maintenance because then our authority would go down. We have also stressed, both of us, having agreement, broad unity in Council as was the case with 1284, the resolution from 1999, that would not be sufficiently broad agreement then we would also suffer from that weakness. I don't, we don't, neither of us, want to go into detail on individual paragraphs because here is one text on the table and there are other texts in circulation. And things are still under possible change, I don't think it will be proper for us to comment in detail.

Dr. El Baradei: But I would add to Dr. Blix that we had a very good discussion with Council members on what we need as we enter this new phase of inspections and I think both us agreed and told the Council that we need unified Council support behind us, we need explicit authority, good practical arrangements, and information from all member states about how to go and where to go to ensure that Iraq is completely disarmed.

Reporter: Dr. Blix, you cited, but have a new resolution for a new chapter with Iraq, but in the absence of a resolution, you cited before that you couldn't go and change a mandate happens while you're there. Now, if there's no resolution, there's no change of mandate. Is there any other reason why you can't go to Iraq if there's no resolution?

Dr. Blix: No, there is no obstacle to us, either of us, to start inspections in Iraq of a legal kind; however, in practical terms I think it was almost inconceivable that we would run our inspections while half of the Council wanted us to be there when another half of the Council does not want us to be there. And if there were not to be a resolution there might be other consequences. So I think it was right, and we have not perceived any criticisms, that we have not gone in. But now, our feelings are that there will be a resolution and that we look forward to that. We want to get there as soon as we can.

Reporter: Dr. Blix, is there any indication that the resolution that you looked at had (inaudible) that might impede your process as an inspector to do your job?

Dr. Blix: No, I don't think so. There are some things which are may place some burdens upon the Iraqi regard to the declaration of what they have and so forth and there are other points we are discussing in detail but I don't think it would be proper to discuss it here.

Reporter: Dr. Blix, one more question, how does the threat of force...

Dr. Blix: I yield to the President of the Security Council.

(Comments in French by Ambassador Eboutou)

Dr. Blix: (Comments in French)

Dr. El Baradei: One point also that I would like to add that, in our discussion with the Security Council, both Dr. Blix and I emphasized the importance of having an inspection operation to be completely impartial, completely objective and that we maintain fully our independence as United Nations (inaudible) and inspection organizations.

Reporter: Dr. Blix, how helpful is it for Security Council resolution to actually warn of consequences if indeed Iraq does not cooperate? Do you think that would strengthen your hand?

Dr. Blix: Yes, I think it is desirable that the Iraq understands that any lack of cooperation, or violation of the origins of the resolution, will call for reactions on behalf of the Council, that the Council as I said in this mornings meeting, that the Council would exercise its influence in such a situation and it has to be not only the first month but it has to be on a continuous basis.

Reporter: Dr. Blix, what specific authority you want and mandate do you want for your inspectors so you can go back?

Dr. Blix: Well, we already have a mandate. We can go back, but we think it is self- evident that this situation we should have a new resolution.

Reporter: What do you for inspectors that might make their work easier?

Dr. Blix: Well, they have enumerated a number of things that we have been talked about. There is talk about the inspections of presidential sites is a conspicuous case. We have noted that they are not off site. Some media has said that we don't have access to them. This is not correct. We have access to them, but, so it's unrestricted, but its not immediate. (inaudible) It will take several days before we can get there and there is a strong possibility that the Council will change this in one way or another and that the access will be immediate, we will simply said that if that is so, we will exercise our inspection in the same professional manner there as we do in any other sites.

Reporter: Dr. Blix, how important is it that non-cooperation will be worded as material breach in the resolution?

Dr. Blix: Well, I think we will report objectively, as Mr. El Baradei says. And it will be for the Council to determine whether something is in material breach and if it wants to give consequences. We have seen sometimes stated, we suggested, that we hold peace and war in our hands. We decline that statement. Our job is to report and the decision whether there is war or peace or reaction that is for the Council and its members.

Reporter: Will it help you if material breach will be defined in the resolution?

Dr. Blix: I think it helps us if Iraq is conscious that non-cooperation will entail reactions by the Council.

Reporter: Perhaps there is no person better aware, more aware of these past resolutions, past presidential statements, even in the old UNSCOM and then yourself, would you consider from past decisions this Council has made that Iraq is not only in violation, but in material breach, of its obligations under Security Council resolutions?

Dr. Blix: Well it depends how you define material breach. It is clear that Iraq has not admitted inspectors since 1998, although it is obligatory upon them to do so, specifically by resolution 1284 in 1999.

Dr. El Baradei: This is also not the first time the Security Council declares Iraq to be in material breach. Resolution 707, in fact, declared that Iraq is in material breach because of lack of cooperation. But, I think what Dr. Blix is also saying, we are partnered with the Security Council. Our role is to establish the facts, it is for the Security Council to evaluate the facts and determine whether these facts constitute material breach and what is the next step to be taken by the Council. This is a Council prerogative.

Dr. Blix: I am a little more humble. Mohamed says that we are in partnership; I say we are servants of the Council. One more question, please.

Reporter: To what extent, do you feel that the U.S.-UK proposal resolution under its current form, to what extent do you feel that it does put the issue of war and peace in your hands?

Dr. Blix: No, I say I decline that. We are to report, we are to inspect and we are to report objectively and independently as a UN force and it is for the Council to decide what's going to happen. They have, they are the highest organ of the UN system and they, and their members, and they have that decision in their hands, not we.

Reporter: Dr. Blix, in the interviews, did you raise concerns? Do you have problems?

Dr. Blix: Well, there were a variety of specific issues raised. But again, these are under negotiation within the Council and therefore, I don't think it appropriate for me to repeat any comments that we made inside.

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