The Greek EU presidency has called on Iraq to "immediately" comply with UN resolutions demanding that President Saddam Hussein give up any weapons programs he may be developing.
In a formal appeal sent to Iraqi diplomatic missions in Greece, the European Union and the United Nations, the EU warned that Iraq "will carry the responsibility for all the consequences" if it fails to heed the call.
Referring to UN Security Council Resolution 1441 demanding that Iraq eliminate all of its alleged weapons of mass destruction, the EU presidency statement recalled that "UNSCR 1441 gave Iraq a final opportunity to disarm peacefully."
"If it does not take this chance, it will carry the responsibility for all the consequences. Iraq must completely disarm itself of weapons of mass destruction. We want to achieve this in a peaceful way," the EU said.
"This is only possible if Iraq fully, unconditionally and immediately complies with all relevant Resolutions of the Security Council, in particular with UNSCR 1441 of 8 November 2002," the statement read.
The European Union called on Iraq to fully assist UN inspectors who are searching for hidden weapons.
"The Iraqi authorities must, as an imperative, provide the inspectors, immediately, with all additional and complete information on questions raised by the international community and co-operate proactively," the EU said.
On Friday, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou will visit Egypt in a bid to find a peaceful solution to the crisis, diplomatic sources said.
AFP