Positive UN inspectors' report may not prevent Iraq war - Britain
( 2003-01-08 10:50 ) (7 )

British Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon indicated Tuesday that war against Iraq would not automatically be prevented by a report from UN arms inspectors later this month that Baghdad is not developing weapons of mass destruction.

Hoon also admitted that if such a report was produced it was possible that Britain -- so far America's chief ally on the Iraq issue -- would not deploy troops against Baghdad, even if the United States did so.

But he added that any decision would be taken in consultation with America.

January 27, when the arms inspectors are to make their key report, "is an important date but it is not the only date that's relevant," Hoon told the BBC.

"It is not a make-or-break date. Clearly the inspection could carry on after January 27 providing there was a reason for it to do so," Hoon said.

Asked if there could still be a war even if arms inspectors conclude that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein appears to have no weapons of mass destruction, Hoon said: "January 27 is an important date but it is not the only date that's relevant.

"It's obviously part of the process of the weapons inspectors reporting back to the Security Council.

"Clearly if tomorrow they dicovered a weapon of mass destruction, or clear abuse by Saddam Hussein of the requirement of cooperation, then they would report back immediately.

"What is important is that we continue to go through the process set out in Security Council resolution 1441, and January 27 is part of that process."

Asked if it was possible that Britain would not deploy troops in Iraq alongside the US, Hoon said: "It is conceivable, but these are decisions that will be taken in consultation with the US and other members of the Secuirty Council and the international community.

"I believe we will take that decision as and when necessary in the light of the report by the weapons inspectors, in the light of our analysis of the declaration made by Iraq."

Hoon added: "It is part of British policy to ensure the agreement of Iraq to the Security Council resolution, and to take all necessary steps to achieve the disarmament of Iraq to remove the threat of their weapons of mass destruction."