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The Report of the Iraq Inquiry
“To re-affirm that their countries should refrain from taking part in any military
action targeting the security, territorial integrity and unity of Iraq or any other Arab
country.”
“To emphasise solidarity with the Iraqi people … and to stress that it is time to lift
the sanctions imposed …”
“The Kingdom of Bahrain to form a Presidential Committee …”
“The affairs of the Arab world and development of its regimes are a thing decided
by the peoples in the region in [a] way that suits their national interests, not by
foreign interference. In this context the leaders denounce reported attempts to
impose changes on the region, interfere in its internal affairs or ignore its interests
and just causes.”
“To consider the disarmament of WMDs in Iraq an inseparable part of the WMD
disarmament of the region, including Israel …”265
Mr John Sawers, British Ambassador to Egypt, reported that the proceedings had
been broadcast live on Egyptian television and that the statements by Arab leaders
had “displayed a more balanced approach than was evident from the communiqué”.266
Mr Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian President, had said that the best way to solve the
crisis would be for Iraq to comply with international law represented by the UN; and
to co‑operate fully with the inspectors. Mr Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian President,
had said that war was inevitable and the region should focus on the aftermath of war.
Sheikh Zayed, the Emir of Qatar, had tabled a written suggestion that Saddam Hussein
should be given an amnesty and step down.
857.  Sir David Manning and Mr Scarlett visited Mexico and Chile on 1 and
2 March to explain the UK’s position to Presidents Fox and Lagos and to seek
their support.
858.  On 27 February, Mr Gregory Faulkner, British Ambassador to Chile, reported
Chilean concerns that the Permanent Members of the Security Council were not seeking
to resolve their differences on Iraq.267 The Chileans thought that passed the buck for
decision-taking to the non-permanent members, which was unfair. Chile wanted an
amendment to the draft resolution asking the inspectors to produce a conclusive report
within a specific deadline of a week to 10 days. This would also help Mexico.
859.  Sir David Manning was reported to have told President Fox on 1 March that
Mr Blair believed that matters had come to a head, UN credibility was eroding
and containment was not sustainable.268 Iraq must come clean now or face the
consequences. Mr Blair was convinced that Iraq’s WMD had to be dealt with now or we
would face a worse situation later. The Iraqi declaration of 7 December 2002 had been
a disappointment which did not address vital issues such as the whereabouts of anthrax
265  Telegram 68 Cairo to FCO London, 2 March 2003, ‘Arab League Summit: Final Communique’.
266  Telegram 67 Cairo to FCO London, 2 March 2003, ‘Arab League Summit’.
267  Telegram 31 Santiago to FCO London, 27 February 2003, ‘Chile/Iraq’.
268  Telegram 1 Mexico City to Cabinet Office, 1 March 2003, ‘Iraq: Mexico’.
334
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