CIA claims Iraq has links with al-Qa'ida
George Tenet, the director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, has claimed Iraq has had contacts with Osama bin Laden’s al-Qa’ida network. Addressing the US Senate, Mr Tenet said the two have been in contact, but their associations may be limited to tactical opposition to the United States and the Saudi Arabian royal family.
The CIA director offered no evidence to support his accusations, which have been interpreted as a further hint of George W Bush’s intention to attack Iraq.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Minister has said that any US military action against Iraq must be sanctioned by the United Nations.
Speaking after talks with the British Government, Igor Ivanov said UN members must be in agreement on what action to take over Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s refusal to allow weapons inspectors back into his country.
Mr Iganov said there is no evidence that Iraq is storing weapons of mass destruction, as claimed by the United States and Britain. He said these claims were "empty words".
