Mr. President,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to address the Security Council. I would also like to join the previous speakers who have expressed their appreciation for your presidency over this Security Council meeting.

As we review the recent developments regarding the situation in Iraq, the Security Council is confronted with an issue, which requires effective action that is in full compliance with the principles of the UN Charter.  This issue is not only important for maintenance of international peace and security, but also for preserving the unity of the Security Council, as well as of the international antiterrorist coalition. This is why the United Nations and the Security Council must play a key role in this crisis. Only a united Council could credibly adopt the appropriate decisions for achieving the objective of the disarmament of the Iraqi regime.

Mr. President,

It is very important to note that the debate we have within the United Nations, in the Security Council and elsewhere, does not mean that we disagree on the purpose of full and unconditional compliance of Iraq with resolution 1441, including that Iraq should face serious consequences if continues with violations of its obligations. Latest developments in this regard demonstrate the seriousness of this crisis that must be approached comprehensively, but in the same time that the Security Council must act swiftly and decisively. We pledge our full support to the Council in discharging its responsibilities to achieve the objective of full and effective disarmament of Iraq in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions, in particular resolution 1441.

In a very short period of time we were provided with new information and evidence that shed more light on the question of disarmament the Iraqi regime. We had two briefings of the chief inspectors. Although they have noticed some progress, the prevailing attitude of the Iraqi regime of delaying and obstructing the inspections in substance, revealed an intention not to cooperate fully and gave yet another warning about the presence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Because it is not progress what the Security Council asked for, but it is full and unconditional compliance of Iraq with resolution 1441. In addition to this, on 5 February, the United States presented compelling evidence to the Security Council, detailing Iraqi weapons of mass destruction programs, its active efforts to deceive UN inspectors, and its links to international terrorism.

Mr. President,

The position of the Republic of Macedonia in this regard is very clear and transparent. My country understands the dangers posed by tyranny and the special responsibility of democracies to defend our shared values. The international community must stand together to face the threat posed by the nexus of terrorism and dictators with weapons of mass destruction. Saddam Hussein’s regime must not be allowed to posses any weapons of mass destruction and must disarm completely. We have supported international efforts to achieve a peaceful disarmament of Iraq. However, it has now become clear that Iraq is in material breach of UN Security Council resolutions, including UN resolution 1441, passed unanimously on November 8, 2002.

Iraq must immediately, actively and fully cooperate with UNMOVIC and IAEA and comply unconditionally with requirements of the relevant resolutions. Maintaining pressure on Iraq had proven to be the only mechanism capable of bringing about a certain changes in behavior of the Saddam’s regime and respect for the decisions of the Council.  While we are fully dedicated to the objective that this crisis should be solved through peaceful means until all other possibilities had been exhausted, we firmly believe that the threat of force must be maintained.

The inspection process has produced valuable results up to now and it might need to continue, strengthen and expand its activities in order to carry out resolution 1441. However, the seriousness of the situation requires immediate and unconditional responses from the Iraqi regime to the inspectors and time is running out. In other words, it requires a change in Iraq’s attitude toward disarming; after it had already been found guilty of material breach of its obligations stretching back over 16 previous resolutions over 12 years.

 Mr. President,

We call upon the UN Security Council to once again take the necessary and appropriate action in response to Iraq’s continuing threat to international peace and security. Republic of Macedonia will continue with its active contribution to the international coalition against terrorism. Saddam Hussein’s regime should disarm, as requested by the United Nations or face the consequences. In this context, my country will support action by the international community against this common danger.

 Thank you Mr. President.