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Arab backlash warning to Bush

Amr Moussa
Strong warning: Amr Moussa  


CAIRO, Egypt (CNN) -- A U.S. war against Iraq would "open the gates of hell" in the Middle East, Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa said on Thursday.

Speaking at the end of an Arab League foreign ministers' meeting in Cairo, Moussa urged Iraq to allow U.N. weapons inspections to resume in a bid to head off a U.S. attack.

But he warned, "No Arab country will accept any strike on any other Arab country."

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The statement comes a day after President George W. Bush met senior members of Congress to discuss possible U.S. action against Iraq. (Full Story)

The United States accuses Iraq of trying to develop nuclear, biological and chemical weapons in violation of U.N. resolutions dating back to the 1991 Persian Gulf War.

The claims are backed by British Prime Minister Tony Blair who is to fly to the U.S. for talks with Bush at Camp David about a possible military strike.

Moussa said U.S. threats risk inflaming a "background of frustration and anger" over the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"An action against Iraq, with the general opposition of the world, I believe would lead to serious repercussions in this region and perhaps beyond," he said.

Bush said he had not decided what form that action would take, but assured lawmakers he would seek congressional support "at the appropriate time."

That time could come as early as October, before the end of the current congressional session, House Speaker Dennis Hastert said on Wednesday.



 
 
 
 


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