Thomas Daschle: “the last 48 hours have been a very important moment in our diplomatic efforts to achieve Iraqi compliance with U.N.…”

“the last 48 hours have been a very important moment in our diplomatic efforts to achieve Iraqi compliance with U.N. Security Council resolutions. I want to congratulate Secretary-General Kofi Annan of the United Nations for his remarkable mission to Iraq. Obviously, many of us still look forward to being briefed on all of the details of the agreement between U.N. and Iraqi officials. But I think it is fair to say we have made great progress over the course of the last several days in large measure because of his effort. Just before the February congressional recess, Senator Lott and I came to the floor to impress upon the world community and our country the Senate's unity with regard to dealing with Saddam Hussein's lack of cooperation. I believe that unity exists today as well. With this unity we express to Saddam Hussein that his pattern of intransigence is unacceptable; that his willingness now to agree once more to open up his facilities for complete inspection is commendable. The question we now face is, when and under what circumstances will UNSCOM now be allowed to reenter the country to carry on its mission. But I believe that the willingness on the part of Saddam Hussein to negotiate with the U.N. leadership and to reach this agreement is a direct result of this administration's willingness to demonstrate to him that we will use force if necessary to accomplish our goals.”