The Iraqi Foreign Minister, Naji Sabri, has called on the United Nations to eliminate all weapons of mass destruction from the Middle East, particularly from Israel.
He said Israel has a huge arsenal of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and long range missiles.
In an interview with the German television news station, N24, the Foreign Minister said UN weapons inspections must result in the easing of sanctions against Iraq.
He added that Iraq did not expel the UN inspectors and insisted they were withdrawn.
Mr Sabri concluded that their return could only be part of putting UN resolutions into operation.
Meanwhile, the Arab League has issued an urgent appeal to Iraq to comply with United Nations resolutions and re-admit weapons inspectors.
Foreign Ministers from the 22 countries that make up the group met at the UN General Assembly in New York last night.
It is understood that the Arab nations have taken the initiative as they are anxious to avoid the prospect of a US-led military campaign in Iraq.
