"Iraq is also willing to establish economic ties with the UnitedStates and its allies if it abandons its war attempt," Ramadan toldIraq's Al Shabab Television, which is run by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's eldest son Uday.

Meanwhile, Ramadan stressed the Iraqi government and people are ready to fight against any possible US-led aggression.

As for an updated report by chief UN arms inspector Hans Blix tothe UN Security Council on Feb. 14, Ramadan said Iraq accepted the report, because it was "neutral."

However, Ramadan said Blix should mention all the things that Iraq has done.

"It will be clear in the next few days that we are making progress in cooperation with UN arms inspectors," Ramadan said.

Commenting on Iraq's stance on a possible new Security Council resolution, he said the Feb. 14 Security Council session gave a "clear picture."

During an open session of the Security Council on Feb. 14, chief UN arms inspectors Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei briefed the Security Council on the latest developments concerning Iraq's disarmament.

Blix said after 11 weeks of inspections, UN inspectors have not found any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, but Baghdad still needs to show "credible" evidence that such arms do not exist.

"Another matter, and one of great significance, is that many proscribed weapons and items are not accounted for," he said, adding "One must not jump to the conclusion that they exist; however, that possibility is not excluded."

The United States has accused Iraq of hiding and secretly developing banned weapons as well as having linkage with the al-Qaeda terror network, and vowed to disarm Iraq by force if necessary. Iraq strongly denies the US allegation.

A US-led war on Iraq looms large as the United States has stepped up its military buildup in the Gulf region.

(Xinhua News Agency February 22, 2003)