A conference of foreign ministers from six Middle Eastern nations met in Istanbul yesterday, at the invitation of the Turkish prime minister, to discuss peaceful solutions to the Iraqi standoff with the United States. The foreign ministers approved a joint declaration, in which they "call solemnly on the Iraqi leadership to move irreversibly and sincerely towards assuming its responsibilities in restoring peace and stability in the region.... The specter of war in Iraq is looming large. The countries of this region do not wish to live through yet another war and all its devastating consequences. War should not become an option to resolve this crisis."
In order to avoid that option, Iraq was urged to be "more active" in cooperating with United Nations inspectors, the declaration said. For its part, the foreign ministers called for UN involvement that was "full, inclusive and persistent.... in full recognition of the need to fulfil the objectives of the ongoing inspections."
In order to avoid that option, Iraq was urged to be "more active" in cooperating with United Nations inspectors, the declaration said. For its part, the foreign ministers called for UN involvement that was "full, inclusive and persistent.... in full recognition of the need to fulfil the objectives of the ongoing inspections."