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The Report of the Iraq Inquiry
533.  The European Council reiterated its:
“… full support for the … work of the UN inspectors. They must be given the
time and resources that the UN Security Council believes they need. However,
inspections cannot continue indefinitely in the absence of full Iraqi co-operation. This
must include the provision of all the additional and specific information on the issues
that have been raised in the inspector’s reports.
“Baghdad should have no illusions … The Iraqi regime alone will be responsible for
the consequences if it continues to flout the will of the international community and
does not take this last chance.”
534.  The European Council would “work with Arab countries and The League of Arab
Nations … to bring home to Saddam Hussein the extreme danger of miscalculation”.
It also reiterated “its firm belief in the need to invigorate the peace process in the
Middle East and to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”.
535.  The European Council concluded:
“The unity of the international community is vital in dealing with these problems.
We are committed to working with all our partners, especially the United States, for
the disarmament of Iraq, for peace and stability in the region and for a decent future
for all its people.”
536.  The UK had argued that the extraordinary meeting of the Council should have
been extended to include Accession Partners and candidates to allow them to contribute
fully to the debate.
537.  After the Council, Mr Blair wrote to the Heads of State and Government of
the Accession Partners and candidates setting out his impressions of the meeting.
The letter concluded:
“… it is essential that we keep the focus on Iraq and its obligation to disarm.
This is a defining moment for the multilateral system. It calls for unity and
unwavering determination on the part of the international community and,
in particular, for solidarity between Europe and the United States …”147
538.  The Partners and candidates subsequently agreed a statement supporting
the outcome of the Council.148
147  Telegram 7 FCO London to Budapest, 18 February 2003, ‘Prime Minister’s Letter to Accession Partners
and Candidates’.
148  Telegram 181 UKREP Brussels to FCO London, 18 February 2003, ‘Special European Council:
Accession Partners and Candidates’.
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