Word: saud
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...compliance with U.N. resolutions. Amnesty would be an attractive offer, the Saudis believe, because Iraqi officials are fearful that they may be hunted down and prosecuted for being part of a regime that has used weapons of mass destruction against foreign enemies as well as its own people. Saud insisted that the initiative targets no specific "personalities," yet it is clear that a major aim is to isolate Saddam by giving his military commanders a sweet incentive to cooperate with the U.N. and even overthrow...
...best way is to provide amnesty to the government of Iraq, [telling it] to continue to perform its duties to keep order," Saud explained. "Instead of constantly harping, 'If you don't do what we want, we will pursue you,' say the reverse: 'If you do what we want, you will not be pursued, you will secure yourself and your future.' I fail to see how Iraqis wouldn't accept this approach in the face of certain destruction...
...idea," Saud added, "is to transform the military effort of the United Nations from a military effort that seeks to occupy, that seeks to inflict pain on Iraq, into an effort that is aimed at guaranteeing the security and territorial integrity of Iraq. The essential part of it is for the Iraqi government to [continue to] be a functioning government, to allow for a peaceful transition...
...Shifting the emphasis on protecting rather than attacking Iraqis, Saud hoped, would also help end the split inside the U.N. Security Council by encouraging France, Russia and China to back the resolution authorizing force. "Should conflict come, we think it should be through the United Nations machinery," said Saud. "The way it is going, we see divergence of opinions in the Security Council. That will encourage Saddam Hussein to think, 'If there is division, I can obfuscate and not do anything and get away with it.' And this will lead, as sure as anything, to [U.S.-led] war with Iraq...
...Saud rejected criticism that the proposal sought to undermine American war preparations, suggesting that the threat of imminent military attack stood a real chance of changing loyalties in Baghdad. "I can visualize elements of the regime turning away from an order that would jeopardize stability and security of Iraq," he said. "I don't consider that Iraqis are less nationalistic than any other country. Say you are a general and the U.N. says that it will give you protection if you perform your duty. Immediately, once you get that offer, trust in those who are against the implementation...