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Statement of the Government of the Czech Republic on the Situation Concerning Iraq

 

Unofficial translation.(21/3/2003)

Prague, 19 March 2003



Statement of the Government of the Czech Republic on the Situation Concerning Iraq - unofficial translation

The Government of the Czech Republic notes with regret the long-running failure of the Iraqi leadership to honour the obligations imposed on them by the United Nations Security Council since 1990. Resolution 1441(2002) offered Iraq the last chance to disarm by peaceful means and stated that Iraq would face serious consequences in case of non-compliance.

The Government of the Czech Republic always prefers a peaceful settlement of international conflicts and regards the use of force as an extreme possibility. The Government of the Czech Republic considers the coalition operation a measure of last resort to achieve the fulfilment of the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, but regrets that a new United Nations mandate has not been obtained for this step.

The Government of the Czech Republic continues to regard the Euro-Atlantic cooperation framework and collective security policy as the basis of global stability and our security.

In this situation, the Government of the Czech Republic reaffirms that the nuclear, biological and chemical protection battalion of the Czech Army deployed in the operation Enduring Freedom is ready to participate in rescue and humanitarian operations in case of use, or reasonable suspicion of use of weapons of mass destruction against the civilian population or coalition forces, and in dealing with the consequences of disasters in the area of its deployment.

The Government of the Czech Republic is ready to provide humanitarian assistance to Iraq and to take part in its subsequent reconstruction, in the interest of improving living and economic conditions of the Iraqi people and with the aim to restore security and stability in the region.

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