PRESS STATEMENT ON IRAQ BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is today’s press statement on Iraq by Security Council President Jean-Marc de La Sablière (France):

Members of the Security Council met this morning to hear a briefing by Dr. Hans Blix, Executive Chairman of the United Nations Monitoring, Inspection and Verification Commission (UNMOVIC) and Dr. Mohammed ElBaradei, Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).  They listened with utmost attention and interest to the update of the assessment Dr. Blix and Dr. ElBaradei had made of the Iraqi declaration and to their report on the progress of inspection activities in Iraq since they resumed on 27 November 2002.

Members of the Council reiterated their full support for the work and action of Dr. Blix and Dr. ElBaradei and to the continuation of inspection activities of UNMOVIC and IAEA pursuant to resolution 1441 in order to achieve the disarmament of Iraq.

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