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UNSCOM Advisor Speaks on Iraq's Weapons of Destruction
John Scott, who served from 1991-98 as senior legal advisor of the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) overseeing the identification, destruction and neutralization of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, will be the principal speaker at the annual meeting of the United Nations Association, Northwest CT Chapter on Sunday, October 27 at 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, on the Green in Washington.
Why do we have reason to believe that Iraq still possesses weapons of mass destruction? Has Saddam Hussein developed new weapons since United Nations inspection teams left Iraq in 1998? Has the Iraqi leader shown any credible signs of accepting a resumption of such inspections? Will he give United Nations inspection teams unrestricted access to any suspected site in the country? Is there a rational, peaceful solution to this impasse?
Mr. Scott is currently consultant to the chairman of the United Nations Monitoring Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), the commission that has replaced UNSCOM after its 1998 withdrawal from Iraq. He will review UNSCOM's earlier efforts in Iraq: (1) to determine the full extent of Iraq's capabilities with chemical and biological weapons and missile capabilities; (2) to dispose of such weapons; (3) to assist and cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) similar responsibilities for all nuclear weapons and related usable materials; and (4) to determine how successful these efforts have been overall and what remains to be done.
He will explain UNSCOM's mandate under UN Resolution 687, Part C, April 1991, and detail the UN’s experience with Iraq. Mr. Scott will tell his audience how UNSCOM managed to unearth Iraq's program to develop weapons of mass destruction despite Saddam Hussein's systematic attempts at concealment. He will describe UNSCOM's withdrawal in December 1998 after ongoing controversy concerning admission of UN inspectors to suspected sites. Finally, he will talk about where we are now under the UN Monitoring Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), the new commission responsible for inspections in Iraq.
After weeks of exposure to huge propaganda campaigns from both the White House and those who are opposed to war with Iraq, this meeting, co-sponsored by the UNA Northwest CT Chapter and the First Congregational Church, will give us a chance to hear facts from an expert who has been there. Mr. Scott will answer questions from the audience.
Come early; space is limited. For more info call Charles LaMuniere at 860-868-6617.
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