Iraq is not in material breach of the United Nations Security Council resolution forcing it to disarm, the head of the UN's nuclear watchdog said Thursday.
Mohamed ElBaradei said there had been no "gross violation" of the resolution by the regime.
ElBaradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, added: "If they decide that this is a material breach, then that is their prerogative. "We are not going to say that this is a material breach unless we see a gross violation of the resolution. But even then it is for the Security Council to pronounce itself on this issue."
ElBaradei said the inspectors needed another "four or five months" to continue their work - and he would do his "damned best" to prevent war.
"I will do my damned best to ensure that war is not inevitable, and I will try every possible way to try and see whether we can resolve that issue through peaceful means." He added: "Even if it takes a few more months, this is an investment in peace." (Albawaba.com)
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