¡¡¡¡CANBERRA, Sept. 2 (Xinhuanet) -- Former UN Iraqi weapons inspector Richard Butler warned the costs of a unilateral attack upon Iraq would be incalculable.

¡¡¡¡In his article titled "Iraq proof may win world to U.S.," published by The Australian Financial Review Monday, Butler said, "In my view, there is an action Australia could take at this crucial stage, as a loyal ally. That is to urge the United States to ensure that any action to stop Iraq's weapons programs is undertaken in accordance with international law, through the Security Council."

¡¡¡¡"This is crucial because the costs and consequences of a unilateral attack upon Iraq are incalculable," he warned, adding "The Bush doctrine is no international law."

¡¡¡¡Butler was executive chairman of the United Nations Special Commission charged with the disarmament of Iraq during 1997-1999. He was hated by Baghdad for his stiff approach during the mission.

¡¡¡¡Senior officials in the Australian government have advocated a pre-emptive attack against Iraq. During his visit to Washington inJuly, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is in the same breath with Hitler and that only a fool would appease Iraq.

¡¡¡¡Butler said that by providing facts that proved Iraq has used the past four years, free of inspections, to significantly increase its illegal weapons, the United States will be able to insist that the Security Council make a new and unqualified demandupon Iraq to permit immediate inspection of any relevant facilities in Iraq, or face the consequences.

¡¡¡¡"For the (US) administration not to take these steps or agree to have inspections restored would be extreme folly," Butler said.Enditem

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