Iraq replies to Annan's letter on UN weapons inspections

Iraq has responded to a letter written by Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the resumption of United Nations weapons inspections in the country, which have been suspended since 1998, a UN spokesperson announced today.

After being translated from the original Arabic, the letter from Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri will be circulated as an official document of the Security Council.

On 5 August, the Secretary-General had sent a letter to the Foreign Minister indicating that he looked forward to receiving from the Iraqi Government a formal invitation to the UN weapons inspectors.