Minister Suvi-Anne Siimes thinks that it is of utmost importance that U.N. weapons inspectors be given the chance to investigate undisturbed and thoroughly claims concerning Iraqi weap-ons of mass destruction and that the international community puts a joint pressure on Iraq so that it gives up WMD. "U.N. weapons inspections should not interrupted by military operations as long as results can be achieved through peaceful means", states Ms. Siimes and refers to a resolution text tabled yesterday with the purpose of mandating war.

Ms. Siimes views it as per se useful that efforts to find a common strategy are still pursued with the U.N. "Keys to the Iraqi question must be held by the U.N. Security Council", she emphasizes and stresses that only decisions adopted by the Security Council can mandate the use of force.

Ms. Siimes does not believe that a unilateral U.S. offensive policy, ever-increasing military presence in the Gulf region and efforts to turn Iraq into an oil-producing colony would lessen the danger of conflicts in this oil producing region so vital to world economy. – On the con-trary, we need more international co-operation, democracy and strengthening of civil and hu-man rights in oil-producing regions, Ms. Siimes suggests. Ms. Siimes, Minister in Charge of International Development Cooperation, broached the sub-ject in Vantaa on Tuesday, was worried that an eventual war would contribute to the deepen-ing of the downturn in world economy and would lead to a low point in relations between rich industrialised countries and developing countries. – Under these circumstances, a new WTO round, which should enhance the position of the developing countries, would become even more difficult, just to give an example.

It is most important for the security of all Finns that we give a unanimous support to the role of the U.N. in solving the Iraqi crisis, stated Ms. Siimes.

For further information, please, call Mr. Rauno Merisaari, Advisor to Minister Siimes + 358 40-7240517.