WAR ON IRAK

Stratfor: Sources: Iraq Agrees To Full Compliance With Inspectors

Former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov, reputed to be a
personal
friend of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, made a lightning visit to
Baghdad
on February 23. The purpose and results of the meeting are shrouded in
secrecy, apart from a statement by Moscow that Hussein was asked -- and
agreed -- to cooperate fully with U.N. weapons inspectors. ,,,,, The
importance of the meeting stretches much further, however. Sources say
the
Iraqi leader has agreed to a proposal by Russian President Vladimir
Putin
-- previously discussed between Russian, French and German leaders --
that
Baghdad formally invite U.N. peacekeepers within the next 10 days or so
to
back up weapons inspectors. This, sources say, would show the world
that
Iraq will be unconditionally disarmed under strict and fully
enforceable
U.N. deadlines, with peacekeepers staying on in Iraq until the task is
complete. Sources also say that Hussein has asked Putin to deliver a
secret
offer to U.S. and British energy giants, inviting them back to Iraq as
major industry players roughly 30 years after they were ousted from the
country. The companies could return to Iraq immediately if Washington
calls off its planned invasion.