[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 119 (Thursday, September 19, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1621]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          SAME SONG AND DANCE

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                           HON. DOUG BEREUTER

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 2002

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member wishes to commend to his 
colleagues an editorial from the September 18, 2002, edition of the 
Lincoln Journal-Star entitled, ``We've seen Saddam's act before.'' It 
correctly conveys the skepticism with which the United States and the 
United Nations should approach Saddam Hussein's recent announcement to 
allow U.N. weapons inspectors into Iraq.

       [lsqb]From the Lincoln Journal-Star, Sept. 18, 2002[rsqb]

                     We've Seen Saddam's Act Before

       Anyone who believes that Saddam Hussein suddenly caved in 
     to international pressure and will now ``unconditionally'' 
     permit weapons inspections is dangerously gullible.
       Saddam's negotiating style was described accurately and 
     colorfully by President George W. Bush. Once again Saddam is 
     ``sidestepping, crawfishing and wheedling.''
       Translations of the six-page letter, complete with a three-
     page addendum, have not yet been released.
       But some news sources, including The Economist, reported 
     that the letter from Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri to the 
     U.N. ``leaves scope for doubt. It merely says they can 
     return, for example, not explicitly that they will enjoy 
     unrestricted access.''
       A senior State Department official in a White House 
     briefing described the letter this way: ``It is not a promise 
     to fulfill all its obligations under Security Council 
     resolutions. It is not a promise to allow full and unfettered 
     access for U.N. inspectors. It is not a promise to disclose, 
     or a disclosure, of all its prohibited programs. And it's not 
     a promise to disarm, as Iraq is obliged to do.''
       Saddam should not be allowed to let a promise turn into 
     delay. United Nations officials have said in recent days they 
     are prepared to resume inspections immediately.
       The United Nations should waste no time taking up the 
     offer. Send in the inspectors now. Call Saddam's bluff.

     

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