IRAQ AGREES TO POSTPONE DEADLINE FOR EXPULSION OF AMERICANS, SECRETARY-GENERAL ANNOUNCES
Press Release
SG/SM/6379
IRAQ AGREES TO POSTPONE DEADLINE FOR EXPULSION OF AMERICANS, SECRETARY-GENERAL ANNOUNCES
19971104 The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:The Secretary-General spoke by phone with Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz this morning and urged him to postpone the Thursday deadline that Iraq sought to impose for the expulsion of American members of the United Nations inspection team.
The purpose of his request was to provide an opportunity for his three envoys to discuss with the Iraqi authorities the importance of Iraq complying with the Security Council resolutions governing the work of the United Nations team.
The Secretary-General is pleased to announce that Mr. Aziz has informed him that the Government of Iraq will comply with his request. He has been assured that no members of the team will be expelled from Iraq while his envoys are in the country.
The Secretary-General welcomes this action as a positive beginning of the talks that will take place starting tomorrow, when the envoys will meet the Deputy Prime Minister in the afternoon. Their task will be both delicate and difficult. Let's all wish them success.
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