Two back UN return to Iraq

By FRANCESCA MOLD political reporter

Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff and Europe's top ambassador, Chris Patten, want United Nations inspectors sent to Iraq to verify the existence of weapons of mass destruction.

Mr Goff and Mr Patten, the European Union's Commissioner for External Relations, met in Wellington yesterday to discuss Iraq, Middle East peace, the Sars epidemic and trade.

Mr Patten said it was "a statement of the blindingly obvious" that the international community was more likely to believe UN inspectors than countries in the coalition.

Mr Goff emphasised that the return of UN inspectors did not mean the Americans could not be trusted, but independent verification would remove any doubt.

Chief UN arms inspector Hans Blix's team is ready to go back to Iraq but will not work under a US-led disarmament effort. Washington has rejected calls for the return of UN inspectors.

Mr Patten said the more the UN was involved in postwar Iraq, the better. It was vital to get oil flowing and put as many resources as possible into rebuilding the nation.

"Everything will be easier to accomplish, in my view, if there is maximum international co-operation."

US President George W. Bush has urged the UN to lift economic sanctions to allow the sale of Iraqi oil to help to pay for reconstruction.

Mr Patten thought the sanctions were likely to be suspended or abolished altogether in the near future.

Mr Goff said the end of Saddam Hussein's regime should clear the way for the UN to lift the sanctions.

The two men also discussed the possibility of extending their presence in each other's regions.

Mr Goff said the Government was considering increasing its representation in Europe, and Mr Patten said he would push for the opening of an office in New Zealand.

They also discussed proposed changes to New Zealand's visa-free status in the EU.

It is possible New Zealand's visa waiver agreements with individual countries will be replaced with a three-month visa for the entire EU.

Mr Goff would like a special arrangement that would give maximum flexibility to New Zealanders travelling in Europe.

Mr Patten said it was possible a reciprocal arrangement for a six-month visa waiver could be reached or that New Zealanders could apply for a visa extension while in Europe rather than having to return home first.

Herald Feature: Iraq