2 October 2002 

Excellency, 

On behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), I have the honour to refer to the agreement reached in Vienna, Austria, on 1 October 2002 between the Government of Iraq, the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the practical arrangements Necessary for the immediate resumption of inspections in accordance with the provisions of the relevant Security Council resolutions. The assurances given by the Government of Iraq that unrestricted access would be granted to the United Nations inspectors as well as the submission of the outstanding semi-annual monitoring declarations, are welcomed by the NAM as further steps towards full compliance by Iraq with the relevant Security Council resolutions. 

At their meeting in New York on 18 September 2002 the Foreign Ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement encouraged Iraq and the United Nations to intensify their efforts in search of a lasting, just and comprehensive solution to all outstanding issues between them. The Ministers also emphasised the urgent need for a peaceful solution on the issue of Iraq in a way that preserves the authority and credibility of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, as well as peace and stability in the region.  

The timetable that has been presented to the Security Council by Dr Hans Blix, Executive Chairman of UNMOVIC, on 19 September 2002 is welcomed. The Non-Aligned Movement calls for the inspectors to return to Iraq as a matter of urgency. We have full confidence that the inspectors would discharge their duties to the highest professional standards consistent with there current mandate. 

The Non-Aligned Movement supports the Security Council's efforts to explore all peaceful means to resolve the situation in Iraq and to avoid a war that would cause further suffering to the people of Iraq and the region. 

I should be grateful if you would have the present Letter circulated as a document of the Security Council.  

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.