Iraq has said it is ready to hold talks with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan without preconditions. The offer of a "dialogue" came in a message from Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to Mr Annan. It was conveyed by the Secretary General of the Arab League, Amr Moussa. Mr Annan said he would meet an Iraqi delegation to discuss the issue of UN Security Council resolutions, which may include the return of UN weapons inspectors to Iraq after a three-year absence. Talks between the UN chief and Iraqi officials broke off a year ago after Baghdad laid down conditions for resuming discussions, including an end to sanctions imposed after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990.
This is pre-game maneuvering. It should hold off any imminent US attacks, at least until it becomes clear the talks are fruitless propaganda exercises. It gives Sammy time to bury his tanks before the bombing starts. |