Annan hopes Security Council guidance on Iraq will come soon

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today voiced hope that the Security Council would soon formulate guidance on Iraq.

Asked by reporters whether UN weapons inspectors should go forward with plans to go to Iraq, or whether they should wait for the Security Council to work on a new resolution, the Secretary-General noted the head of the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), Hans Blix, himself had indicated that the inspectors were ready, but, as the Council was discussing further guidance, it would be appropriate for him to know what that direction was before he resumes work in Iraq.

"I hope that will be forthcoming shortly," Mr. Annan said.

Meanwhile, a UN spokesman reported that Mr. Blix and the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohammed ElBaradei, are in Washington, D.C., today for scheduled meetings with senior officials from the United States.