Egypt has welcomed an Iraqi decision to destroy its al-Samoud 2 missiles but has urged Baghdad to do more to avoid a US-led war.
"I think there are other steps that can be taken by Iraq and should be taken by Iraq in accordance with the report of Mr Blix and Mr El Baradei," Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher said, referring to the UN's top weapons inspectors, Mr Hans Blix and Mr Mohamed El Baradei.
"I hope that this is a new beginning for avoiding war," he said. Egypt, a US ally and a major recipient of aid from Washington, has called for a peaceful solution to the Iraq crisis.
Mr Maher said Iraq's decision was a sign that UN weapons inspections were producing results and that more time should be given to inspectors to carry out their mission.
The United States is massing troops in the Gulf for a possible attack on Iraq, which Washington accuses of hiding, banned weapons of mass destruction. Baghdad denies having such weapons.
Washington dismissed Baghdad's decision to destroy the al-Samoud 2 missiles, whose range UN experts say exceeds the 90-mile distance permitted for Iraqi weaponry.
The United Nations, which said yesterday Iraq had agreed in principle to destroy its al-Samoud 2 missiles and components, said it must clarify Baghdad's offer with officials in Iraq.