Iraq studying UN order to destroy missiles

Iraq is studying a UN order to destroy its Al Samoud 2 missile programme, but has made no decision, the chief Iraqi liaison to the UN inspectors said today.

“We received the letter from (chief inspector Hans) Blix on the Al Samoud, and this issue is under study,” General Hossam Mohamed Amin said at a news conference.

“We are serious about solving this.”

Amin expressed optimism that the United Nations and Iraq would be able to work out their differences over the Al Samoud 2.

Blix told Iraq on Friday that a UN-supervised destruction of all Al Samoud 2 missiles, warheads, fuel, engines and other components must begin by March 1.

The missiles exceed the 93-mile range limit set by UN resolutions adopted at the end of the 1991 Gulf War.

“We hope this issue will be resolved without interference from the Americans or the British,” Amin said. “I think we will be able to resolve this issue without the interference of people with bad intentions.”

The United States and Britain accuse Iraq of developing weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles, despite UN bans on both. Iraq denies holding such weapons and says its enemies have their eyes on Iraq’s oil and on world domination.

The United States and Britain are trying to focus the world’s attention on illegal Iraqi weapons activities while they prepare a new UN resolution that could pave the way for military action.

Iraq’s decision on the Al Samoud 2 missile will likely be a factor in whether the council approves such a resolution, which is expected to be introduced early next week.

Diplomatic sources said Iraq declared 76 Al-Samouds in June 2002 and said some had been used for tests and component parts. But Iraq has continued to produce the missiles, and UN inspectors now estimate they have between 100 and 120, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Amin said if Iraq goes ahead with the destruction of the Al Samoud 2, it will be a blow to its defensive capabilities – but not a serious blow.

“The destruction of those missiles would affect our fighting capabilities, but it would not finish them or affect them greatly,” he said.