Despite the selection of the more acceptable candidate, Iraqi officials still oppose the creation of a new arms inspection program. Iraqi Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Nizar Hamdoon is quoted by Radio Monte Carlo as saying the choice of Mr. Blix will not end the impasse. State Department spokesman James Rubin says Iraq is only harming itself by refusing to allow weapons inspections. Baghdad barred U-N weapons inspectors from Iraq in December of 1998, a move that triggered a bombing campaign by the United States and Britain. The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution last month that could allow the easing of sanctions on Iraq if it allowed the inspections to resume.
Iraqi officials say they have major reservations about the resolution.