02 August 2002
Iraq Is Obligated to Admit Weapons Inspectors, Says White House
(Bush continues to believe regime change necessary) (360) Asked about U.S. reaction to Iraqi hints that it will permit weapons inspectors back into Iraq for the first time since 1998, White House Deputy Press Secretary Claire Buchan told reporters August 2 that Iraq has an obligation to permit United Nations-mandated inspections "any time, anywhere, by anyone." On the issue of inspections, she noted, "It's time for action, not discussions." Following is an excerpt from Buchan's briefing containing her comments about weapons inspections for Iraq: (begin excerpt) Q: What about Iraq's offer for weapons inspections? MS. BUCHAN: The Iraqis have signed an agreement that allows inspectors any time, anywhere, by anyone. That is what they're expected to do. They have that obligation, so it's time for action, not discussions. Q: There have been Senate hearings on Iraq for the last two days. Has the White House been paying attention to that? Has the President been watching that testimony, or have any sort of reaction to it? MS. BUCHAN: I don't know if he's watched the testimony or not. But the President's view is that -- the position of this government is that we need a regime change in Iraq, and he continues to consider all options with regard to that. Q: For those of us who had a hard time hearing it, can you repeat your Iraq answer, please, the question about the invitation to the head U.N. weapons inspector to come in for talks? MS. BUCHAN: Sure, that Iraq has agreed to inspections any time, anyplace, by anyone. And that's what needs to happen. There is no -- it's time for action, not discussions. (end excerpt) (Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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