Iraq has been given a positive rating by two independent US research institutes on its compliance with the disarmament requirements of UN Security Council resolution 1441.
In their March 6th report, the Sanctions and Security Project of the Fourth Freedom Forum and the Joan B. Kroc Institute of the University of Notre Dame stated, "The US and other governments contend that the United Nations disarmament process in Iraq is not working, but an objective analysis shows that significant steps toward compliance have occurred."
The authors of the nine-page text produced a "scorecard of Iraqi compliance." They found Iraq had not complied with only one of the council's demands. It failed to submit a "currently accurate, full and complete" declaration of all weapons programmes.
They said Iraq had partially complied in five areas.
It failed to complete all "disarmament actions" required by resolution 687 which ended the 1991 war and to provide a listing of all personnel involved in its weapons programmes. Inspectors have not been able to conduct private interviews with all scientists. Iraq has not offered pro-active co-operation with inspectors or formally ensured "the safety of aircraft operating in the "no-fly zones."
Iraq has been fully compliant in eight areas. It confirmed its intention to carry out its obligations within the time frame laid down by the council.
It has provided inspectors with freedom of movement into and inside the country and given them "immediate, unimpeded, unconditional and unrestricted access" to all requested sites.
Iraq has allowed inspectors unrestricted use of surveillance aircraft and given them the right to import without search any equipment needed for their mission.
It has not threatened UN personnel or incited hostility towards them. It has destroyed prohibited equipment and matériel in the presence of inspectors. Finally, Baghdad has extended logistical support to UN inspectors.
