EGYPT: IRAQI FOREIGN MINISTER SAEED AL SAHHAF PRESS CONFERENCE скачать в хорошем качестве

EGYPT: IRAQI FOREIGN MINISTER SAEED AL SAHHAF PRESS CONFERENCE

(12 Feb 1998) Arabic/Eng/Nat The Iraqi Foreign Minister says America's latest threats of a military strike in the Gulf is a dangerous bluff which could backfire. Saeed Al-Sahhaf has offered to open eight presidential sites at the centre of the crisis to U-N inspectors - but just for two months. The proposal was swiftly rejected by the U-S and its allies because it believes access should be unlimited. Iraq's proposal to allow restricted access to eight presidential sites was dismissed by the United States. The leading advocate for military action against Baghdad said the offer was unacceptable. Washington insists every suspect sites should be opened, that there should be no time constraints and the composition of the U-N weapons inspections team should remain the choice of the U-N. Speaking after a meeting the Arab League Secretary-General in Cairo, the Iraqi Foreign Minister, Saeed al-Sahhaf, described the tough American stance as an elaborate bluff. SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) "I believe that the American rejection (to the diplomatic proposals) is a bluff. They will lose enormously if they change their present bluff position to a real rejection because they will lose everything. The door is still open for diplomatic efforts and maybe this will be more active. I am convinced that realising this, the American's stance has to be confronted so that no one is deceived into thinking the American stupidity can be treated." SUPER CAPTION: Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf, Iraqi Foreign Minister But despite appearing to encourage further diplomatic efforts, the Foreign Minister said the so-called 'presidential sites' are symbols of its national sovereignty. As such, offers of a restricted period of access should be enough for the U-N inspectors. SOUNDBITE: (English) "They would take the needed time - we have suggested from one to two months - sixty days. And after using the technical ways for verification, they will submit a report to the Security Council and the Security General of the U-N. The Security Council will then judge the report of this special commission. If it is clean, and we are sure of that - then this issue should be closed and forever. This is the dangerous step." SUPER CAPTION: Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf, Iraqi Foreign Minister The Iraqis are adamant they would never agree to U-S demands for unlimited access to presidential sites. SOUNDBITE: (English) "In every country, if you talk about its government, it's part of its sovereignty. And it's a filthy accusation that where Iraqi ministers are working there are prohibited materials. It's more than filthy." SUPER CAPTION: Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf, Iraqi Foreign Minister Also in Cairo, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met with the Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Both said they were committed to a negotiated peace. Meanwhile, Britain, which backs the U-S tough stance on Iraq, repeated the official line that diplomatic efforts be exhausted before military strikes begin. SOUNDBITE: (English) "We are determined to look for a solution. But if that diplomatic opportunity is not taken then the responsibility rests with one person." SUPER CAPTION: Derek Fatchett, British Foreign Office Minister Al-Sahhaf travels to Lebanon as part of his mission to seek Arab support. Across the Middle East, feverish discussions are being held behind the scenes as Iraq's neighbours try to prevent the military strike the U-S says could be ready to launch in a week's time. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...