Iraq says inspectors may get access to disputed sites

WASHINGTON -- Facing threats of a U.S.-led invasion, Iraq on Sunday hinted that it might allow United Nations weapons inspectors greater freedom to search for nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

Mohammed Aldouri, Iraq's U.N. ambassador, suggested that Baghdad is willing to give the inspectors unfettered access to so-called "presidential sites" -- sprawling compounds belonging to Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein for which Iraq has previously demanded special status.

"I don't think that we will have a problem on that question," Aldouri said. "Certainly, we can accommodate ourselves with the U.N. to have free access to presidential sites."

Contradicting recent statements by other Iraqi officials, Aldouri also said that Baghdad may accept a proposed new U.N. Security Council resolution that's expected to set stiff terms for eliminating its suspected chemical, biological, nuclear and missile programs.

"We are not rejecting any resolutions of the Security Council," the Iraqi diplomat said on the ABC News program "This Week." "We will see these resolutions. First of all, to have this resolution in our hand, and after that, we can conclude."

Iraq's possible change of heart about U.N. weapons inspections comes after chief U.N. inspector Hans Blix agreed late last week to the U.S. position that his teams of experts won't return to Iraq until a new U.N. resolution is adopted.

However, Aldouri's remarks are unlikely to satisfy the Bush administration, which accuses Iraq of repeatedly breaking its promises.

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher called it "pretty typical Iraqi behavior. ... Whenever they're faced with a determined front, they start backpedaling."

In particular, the White House wants to void a 1998 deal between Baghdad and U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan that set limits on inspectors visits to eight of Saddam's palaces.

Aldouri's remarks come as diplomatic pressure mounts on Baghdad, and as President Bush prepares to deliver an address at 7 p.m. today laying out his case about the danger Iraq poses to the United States.

Bush is expected to say that war may be unavoidable if Iraq does not live up to previous commitments to disarm. He also is expected to discuss U.S. plans for a post-Saddam Iraq.

The coming week also could prove pivotal on other fronts.

The United States on Sunday appeared to be moving closer to gaining allies' agreement to the new U.N. Security Council resolution.

France and Russia have balked at a U.S. proposal that would authorize military strikes on Iraq if Baghdad fails to meet the U.N.'s terms.

France has proposed a two-step process in which a second resolution authorizing force would have to be approved.

Secretary of State Colin Powell spoke by telephone Sunday with French Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin in an effort to find a compromise.

"We're really trying to work some bridging language between where we were and where the French were," said a senior State Department official, who requested anonymity.