MEDIA RELEASE  MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS  ALEXANDER DOWNER

FA 133

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30 OCTOBER 1997

AUSTRALIA DEPLORES IRAQI EXPULSION OF US WEAPONS INSPECTORS

The Government deplores Iraq's decision to expel United States nationals working for the  United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM).

The decision is inconsistent with the decisions of the United Nations Security Council.  Australia supports the rule of law and urges full Iraqi compliance with resolutions of the UN  Security Council.

The Security Council is now considering its response to the Iraqi decision.

President Saddam Hussein has again demonstrated his contempt for the international  community, and his disregard for the suffering of the Iraqi people as a result of his refusal to  comply with Security Council resolutions.

Saddam Hussein's actions show clearly ",hy it is necessary to persevere with sanctions. If the  Iraqi regime were sincere in renouncing its capacity to produce and use weapons of mass  destruction, it would cooperate with UNSCOM. Australia looks forward to the day when it  will do so. .

UNSCOM, together with the International Atomic Energy Agency, was given responsib ility  for overseeing and verifying the elimination of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, under the  ceasefire terms of the 1991 Gulf War .

Further information: Innes Willox 0411414695

Media releases and speeches are available from DFAT via the intemet. http://www .dfat.Qov.au/

