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The following are some factual information about the work and attitudes of the United Nations Special Commission ( UNSCOM ) in Iraq:

1- Since 1991 the UNSCOM has sent 253 inspection teams making 2533 inspections to sites all over the country . In addition , 153 monitoring teams were sent making 6500 inspections and aerial surveys. Those activities have found nothing contrary to the information Iraq has provided.

2- UNSCOM personnel was far from balance . In 1996 the Americans and the British constituted 60% of the Commission members. In 1997 the rate was 45% . In 1998, Scott Ritter, an American marine had headed an inspection tea of 16 members of which 9 were Americans, 5 were British with one Australian and one Russian . Our Government objected and a crisis was created then.

3 - The Security Council resolution 687 and other 24 following resolutions have affirmed respect to sovereignty , territorial integrity and political independence of Iraq. The USA and Britain who signed those resolutions have imposed a no fly zone in the northern part of Iraq since May 9, 1991 and another no fly zone on the southern part since August 27, 1992 without authorization from the UN.

4- Mr. Rolph Ekeus is not ha friend of Iraq. In his last report to the Security Council on April 11, 1997 has stated in paragraph 46 : " The accumulated effect of the work that has been accomplished over six years since the cease - fire went into effect, between Iraq and the coalition, is such that not much is unknown about Iraq's retained proscribed weapons capabilities".

Mr. Richard Butler's report which was presented on April 17, 1998 had indicated that no progress has been achieved and that it is not possible to verify Iraq' assurances that it is clear of the proscribed weapons . It concludes that it is impossible for UNSCOM to carry out its mission ( paragraphs 12-15).

This , by ignoring the work done for more than seven years, takes the subject back to its very beginning.

Having confidence in your sense of justice and objectivity, I remain,