3.5 |
Development of UK strategy and options, September to November 2002
–
the
negotiation of resolution 1441
mandate for
the inspectors to be checked with Dr Blix and
Dr ElBaradei. France had
proposals
for alternative text.
705.
Russia had
supported France and drawn attention to the importance of
the
practical
arrangements set out in the letter from Dr Blix and
Dr ElBaradei on 8 October.
706.
China had also
sympathised with the French position and stated that the
Council
should look
for a solution by peaceful means, not authorising force in the
resolution.
707.
The Council
agreed to discuss the draft on 25 October and to meet on 28
October
to discuss
the draft with Dr Blix.
708.
Cabinet was
informed on 24 October that negotiations on the UN
resolution
continued
and progress was “slow”.
709.
Mr Blair
said that Iraq would continue to be discussed at Cabinet,
“including
in due time
the military options”.
710.
Mr Straw
told Cabinet on 24 October that discussions with the
Permanent
Members of
the Security Council and with others continued on a resolution on
Iraq.241
It was
a long drawn out process and progress was slow.
711.
In discussion
a number of points were made:
•
A
strong
resolution was required so that Saddam Hussein would understand
that
the
disarmament of Iraq would be achieved.
•
In the
event of a breach of that resolution, the Security Council’s
response would
determine
its future reputation.
•
If
there was military action and Iraq responded with chemical or
biological
weapons, a
humanitarian disaster could ensue.
•
Effective
disarmament of Iraq through inspection remained a possibility, as
did
the Iraqi
regime cracking under the pressure applied.
712.
Mr Blair
stated that Iraq would continue to be discussed in Cabinet,
“including
in due time
the military options”. The Government must “keep its options open
in
responding
to future developments” after a resolution was
achieved.
713.
Other
members of the P5 continued to express concerns about key
elements
of the new
US and UK draft resolution, primarily that it should not contain
any
triggers
permitting automatic military action.
714.
Mr Blair
and President Chirac discussed Iraq during a meeting in
Brussels
on
24 October. The record of the meeting concluded that there was
“no meeting
241
Cabinet
Conclusions, 24 October 2002.
242
Letter
Rycroft to Sedwill, 24 October 2002, ‘Iraq: Prime Minister’s
Meeting with Chirac, 24 October’.
325