In the 1990's the American's were instigating spying via UN inspectors in Iraq. Now it seems they want to strong arm them to justify their war mongering?
Russia warns of pressure on inspectors
Igor Ivanov, Russian foreign minister, on Thursday warned that "very strong pressure" was being exerted on United Nations weapons inspectors in Iraq, "in order to provoke their departure from Iraq, or to force them to present material to the Security Council that can be used as a pretext to start military operations". Allegedly based on information available to Moscow, his dramatic claim highlights the degree to which Security Council members are looking to the inspectors to break their deep impasse over a possible war. The divide centres on whether the immediate threat from Saddam Hussein justifies military action - and its consequences. France is adamant it does not; the US says international order is at stake. After a month of increasingly assertive statements, there appears little room for compromise, and all sides are looking to the inspectors to offer them either unambiguous support, or to provide them with the political cover they need if they choose to climb down.
Russia warns of pressure on inspectors
Igor Ivanov, Russian foreign minister, on Thursday warned that "very strong pressure" was being exerted on United Nations weapons inspectors in Iraq, "in order to provoke their departure from Iraq, or to force them to present material to the Security Council that can be used as a pretext to start military operations". Allegedly based on information available to Moscow, his dramatic claim highlights the degree to which Security Council members are looking to the inspectors to break their deep impasse over a possible war. The divide centres on whether the immediate threat from Saddam Hussein justifies military action - and its consequences. France is adamant it does not; the US says international order is at stake. After a month of increasingly assertive statements, there appears little room for compromise, and all sides are looking to the inspectors to offer them either unambiguous support, or to provide them with the political cover they need if they choose to climb down.
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