For Immediate Release
March 2, 2007
December 20, 2002
Global Message
KEY POINTS
The UN Security Council unanimously passed
Resolution 1441 requiring Iraq to disarm itself of its weapons of mass
destruction and disclose all of its nuclear, chemical, biological and
missile programs. The Iraqi declaration fails to meet these
requirements. Our experts have found it to be anything but currently
accurate, full or complete. The pattern of systematic holes and
gaps in Iraq's declaration is not the result of accidents or editing
oversights or technical mistakes. They are material omissions that
constitute another material breach. On the basis of the evidence
before us, our path for the coming weeks is clear: o We will continue
to audit and examine the Iraqi declaration to understand the full
extent of Iraq's failure to meet its disclosure obligations. o
Inspectors must be allowed to conduct interviews with scientists and
other witnesses outside of Iraq where they can speak freely. o
Inspection efforts inside Iraq must be intensified. The burden
remains on Iraq to cooperate fully and prove to the international
community whether it does or does not have weapons of mass
destruction. We are convinced they do until they prove to us
otherwise. We will continue to consult with our friends, with our
allies and with all members of the Security Council on how to compel
compliance by Iraq with the will of the international community.