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Low Graphics Tuesday, 5 February, 2002, 03:55 GMT
UN says Iraq ready for talks
Iraq has refused to allow weapons inspectors to return
Iraq has said it is ready to hold talks with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan without preconditions, the UN says.
The offer of a "dialogue" came in a message from Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to Mr Annan.
The Iraqis [are] prepared to resume dialogue with the secretary general
Kofi Annan's office
It was conveyed by the Secretary General of the Arab League, Amr Moussa.
Mr Annan said he would meet an Iraqi delegation to discuss the issue of UN Security Council resolutions, which may include the return of UN weapons inspectors to Iraq after a three-year absence.
Talks between the UN chief and Iraqi officials broke off a year ago after Baghdad laid down conditions for resuming discussions, including an end to sanctions imposed after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990.
Attack threat
The development comes amid mounting speculation that the United States is planning to widen its war against terrorism beyond Afghanistan to include Iraq.
Kofi Annan will meet Iraqi officials
In his State of the Union address last week, President George W Bush said Iraq was part of an "axis of evil" of countries believed to be developing weapons of mass destruction.
Iraq has refused to allow weapons inspectors back into the country after it expelled a team of arms monitors in November, 1998.
The former head of the United Nations Special Commission on Iraq (Unscom), Richard Butler, has voiced concern that even if inspectors are allowed back into Iraq they will be prevented from working effectively.
The UN said Mr Moussa returned from a visit to the Iraqi capital Baghdad last month "with a message from Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, saying the Iraqis were prepared to resume dialogue with the Secretary General, without any preconditions".
Sanctions dispute
The Arab League chief conveyed the offer during a meeting in New York with Mr Annan on Monday.
Mr Annan's office said the secretary general would "check his calendar" to find a convenient date to meet Iraqi representatives.
Mr Annan last held talks with Iraqi officials in February last year for the first time in two years, but they did not resume after Saddam Hussein insisted on an end to sanctions as a condition for continuing discussions.
The UN Security Council says sanctions can only be lifted after it is satisfied Iraq is no longer seeking to produce chemical, nuclear or biological weapons.
WATCH/LISTEN
ON THIS STORY
The BBC's Sue Haley
"Iraq has been under mounting pressure"
Richard Butler, former UN weapons inspector
"The sanctions regime is not working"
Key background
No-fly zones
Profile: Saddam Hussein
Iraq timeline
Country profile
Iraq and the West
What next for Iraq?
Bush's Iraq dilemma
Iraq and sanctions
Is 'smart' effective?
Legacy of sanctions
Iraq's ward of death
Regional picture
Embargoes debate
Oil issue
Q&A: The oil business
Market explained
Alternatives to oil
Opec's role
Price hits Third World
AUDIO VIDEO
Gulf War flashback
See also:
04 Feb 02 | Americas
US renews attack on 'evil axis'
17 Jan 02 | Americas
Bush warns Iraq over arms
18 Dec 01 | Middle East
US builds support against Iraq
10 Dec 01 | Middle East
UN chief warns against Iraq attack
22 Nov 01 | Middle East
Iraq fears US military attacks
08 Nov 01 | Middle East
Powell says Iraq may be next target
30 Oct 01 | Middle East
Iraq condemns US 'aggression'
28 Oct 01 | Middle East
Rumsfeld: Iraq may be target
Internet links:
Iraqi Presidency
UN Mission to Iraq
US State Department
US Central Command
UNSCOM
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
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