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The Iraq issue can be solved peacefully even at this stage if Baghdad commits itself to full disarmament, US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said on Friday.
The top US diplomat made the remarks at a round table interview with reporters from member countries of the United Nations Security Council.
"Time is about to run out," Armitage warned. But even at this late stage, he said, a peaceful solution is preferred and war remains the last option.
If there is a "fundamental" change in Baghdad's attitude towards disarmament, it is still possible to solve the issue peacefully, he said. But the key is there should be a fundamental change "now," Armitage noted.
The top US official also defended the administration's staunch opposition to the extension of UN weapons inspections in Iraq, saying that Baghdad is still playing "cat-and-mouse" games.
If Baghdad were truly committed to disarmament, one inspector would have been enough, he said.
Talking about widespread opposition to war around the world, Armitage said the United States was not alone in dealing with Iraq and has built up a "fairly good coalition."
Armitage claimed that 16 nations are prepared to commit troops in case of a US-led war with Iraq and another 23 nations have expressed the willingness to provide bases for the United States.
The deputy secretary of state also answered questions about other regional issues, including the Middle East conflict and the situation on the Korean peninsula.
(Xinhua News Agency March 1, 2003)
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