IRAQ: The former South African president, Mr Nelson Mandela, has criticised the US for its sceptical response to Iraq's offer to allow UN arms inspectors back into the country.
Mr Mandela, who last week branded Washington a threat to world peace, said the US had no right to act unilaterally in its dispute with the Iraqi President, Saddam Hussein.
"We must condemn this because they think they are the only power in the world. They are not and they are following a dangerous policy," Mr Mandela (84), told reporters in Johannesburg.
"What right has he [President Bush\] to come in to say that offer is not genuine? We must condemn that very strongly," a visibly angry Mr Mandela said.
"That is why I criticise most leaders all over the world of keeping quiet when one country wants to bully the whole world."
In South Africa, the government welcomed Iraq's move and said it hoped Baghdad's full compliance with weapons inspectors would lead to an easing of tensions. "It should lead to the lifting of sanctions against Iraq," the government spokesman said.
Mr Mandela said on Monday he had personally called the Iraqi deputy Prime Minister, Mr Tariq Aziz, as part of his efforts to convince both Western and Arab nations to respect UN resolutions.
Yesterday, Mr Mandela said that those who had benefited from US support in the past should not be afraid to speak out against its actions. - (Reuters)