Posted by press@uruklink.net on November 06, 19102 at 16:28:41:
In Reply to: Saddam Hussein posted by Steve Muirhead on August 18, 19102 at 13:07:40:
BAGDHAD, November 06, 2002 (VAP) - Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein agreed late Friday
to European proposals to switch his military apparatus to
environmentally-safe, biodegradable poison gas and other chemical or
biological weapons that do not contribute to global warming. According
to sources close to the negotiations, this would bring Iraq in line
with the European-led Kyoto Protocal on greenhouse gases, a proposed
treaty to control gases thought to cause global warming. Under the
plan, all Iraqi chemical and biological weapons would be manufactured
to minimize potential damage to the environment. Existing covert
stock-piles of Sarin and other nerve agents, will be modified so to
elminate ozone-harming ingredients, the principle factor in global
warming according to most scientists. Iraq's stockpiles of Anthrax
would also be altered to minimize risk of water-pollution in the event
of large-scale attacks on metropolitan areas.
European leaders applauded Hussein's bold move over the weekend.
German Foreign Minister, Joscha Fischer said, "We are very pleased
that our good friend, Iraq, has taken its responsibility for the
global environment. I only wish that we, here in Germany, hadn't
gotten involved with that ozone-damaging Zyklon-B years ago". Ex-French
Foreign Minister, Hubert Vedrine said, "This shows that the America's
simplistic villainization of President Hussein is misplaced. Even when
it becomes necessary to gas to death ones enemies, each and every one
of us must work in a multilateral way and work together to minimize
environmental impact. Iraq's bold multilateralism is a role model for
certain other countries, which I need not mention...."
Last year, the United States pulled out of the treaty to widespread
criticism in Europe. An alternative U.S. proposal released by
President George Bush last month was poorly recieved. Iraq would be
the 80th country to join the protocol.
Hussein said in a speech on Bagdhad TV over the weekend: "The Republic
of Iraq, in a gesture of friendship to our European Allies, takes full
responsibility to protect the environment. From now on, Iraq will use
only clean, non-polluting poison gas and other chemical and biological
weapons. I have personally ordered all of our covert weapons to be
tested by a special Kyoto Protocal Inspection Team, which will
independently verify our compliance with the Kyoto Treaty. While this
can be seen as a concession on Iraq's sacred sovereignty, we will make
this sacrifice in a gesture of good will. May this serve as an example
to less responsible so-called "rogue nations" around the world."
Neighboring Iran's President Khatami and North Korea's Kim Il Jong II
both had no comment on the Iraqi move.