Washington, Nov 13, 2002 - Today's agreement by the Iraqi government to allow United Nations weapons inspectors into the country is an important step towards peace, and must not be undermined by the 'war talk' of this Administration, Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) stated today.

Kucinich, who leads opposition in the House to the war, issued the following statement:

"Today, working through the UN, the world community made an important step towards a peaceful resolution to the crisis. It is imperative that this positive movement towards a peaceful resolution be assisted by the Administration.

"Today, I call on the Administration to end the 'war talk' and the military build-up in the region, and to dedicate the resources of this country towards aiding the UN and the UN weapons inspectors in finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

"The daily 'war talk' by the Administration undermines the goals of the UN and defeats efforts to disarm Iraq. The daily 'war talk', and well reported war planning, makes it clear the Administration is on a war mission not an inspections mission.

"The United States must keep its commitments it made to France and Russia in the UN Security Council and take today's action by the Iraqi government as a step towards peace not a prelude to war."