The United Nations looked set yesterday to reject Iraq's offer of talks to reopen weapons inspections, as leading member countries were divided in their reactions.
A dismissive response from the US and UK contrasted with the warm reception the offer received in Russia, another central member of the UN security council.
The diplomatic divisions could hinder US plans for military action against Iraq. A former UN weapons inspector said yesterday Iraqi President Saddam Hussein had "thrown a monkey-wrench into the machinery of war".
The UN indicated yesterday it would refuse to send Mr Hans Blix, its chief weapons inspector, to Baghdad to discuss restarting the stalled inspections programme. While the UN welcomed the letter from Naji Sabri, Iraq's Foreign Minister, it said the procedure was "at variance" with Security Council resolutions.
The UK was scornful of the offer, with the Foreign Office claiming Mr Saddam has a "long history of playing games. As his track record shows, he does not deliver".
The US also responded coolly, although it did not reject it outright. "Iraq simply needs to comply with its responsibilities and accept inspection anywhere at any time," the National Security Council said. But it has emerged that UK Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair is putting pressure on President George W. Bush to step up attempts to stabilise the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians ahead of any military strike against Iraq.
This potential stalling of an invasion was seen by experts as an astute ploy on Mr Saddam's part. "It is a very clever letter," one diplomatic source said. - (Financial Times Service)