Chrétien says weapons inspectors need more time

Chrétien says weapons inspectors need more time
Last Updated Mon Jan 27 20:30:15 2003

OTTAWA -- Canada agrees that UN weapons inspectors should be given more time to finish their work, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien said Monday.

And Ottawa is insisting that the United States and Britain should get UN approval before attacking Iraq.

He said he told the U.S. and Britain that "they have to have a resolution from the Security Council" before invading Iraq.

But he also recognized that Iraq's reluctance to disarm could lead to war.

"And we have sent messages over and over again asking (Iraqi leader) Saddam Hussein to respect UN resolutions and in so doing he will avoid a war that will be very devastating for the people of Iraq."

In response to opposition questions, the prime minister told Parliament that Iraq's response to the requirements established by the United Nations falls short.

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