Blair: I don't want war but only Saddam can stop it
Saddam Hussein must provide “100%” compliance with United Nations demands on disarmament, Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair told MPs today.
“This time, Saddam must understand – now is the time for him to decide,” the British premier said in a British House of Commons statement.
“Passive rather than active co-operation will not do. Co-operation on process but not on substance will not do. Refusal to declare properly and fully wt has happened to the unaccounted for weapons of mass destruction will not do,” he added.
Mr Blair said 100% co-operation was now needed, adding that “anything less will not do”.
Facing critics on his own backbenches Mr Blair said: “Even now we are prepared to go the extra step to achieve disarmament peacefully.
“I do not want war. I do not believe anyone in this House wants war. But disarmament peacefully can only happen with Saddam’s active co-operation.”
Mr Blair’s statement came as he continued a hectic round of diplomacy after Britain, the US and Spain last night tabled a new United Nations resolution giving Saddam once last chance for peace.
Mr Blair was having talks with German foreign minister Joschka Fischer and King Abdullah of Jordan later today.
It is believed that he met US General Tommy Franks, head of America’s central command and the man who will effectively run any war against Iraq, this morning.
