STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

November 13, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today issued this statement on the news of Iraq's acceptance of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441:

"We welcome the reports that the government of Iraq has accepted Security Council Resolution 1441.

At the same time, we are mindful of the fact that this is just the first step. Saddam Hussein has an unfortunate history of obstruction and back tracking when it comes to fully complying with United Nations Security Council resolutions. Canada and the rest of the international community will be watching closely to ensure that Hussein complies, without condition or delay, and in all respects, with the spirit and letter of the resolution.

We remind him that Resolution 1441 affords Iraq a final opportunity to comply. Failing such compliance, the Security Council will reconvene immediately to consider the situation and the need to secure international peace and security."

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