By: Ethan Lehman-Pace

On 5 February 2003, United States Secretary of State Colin Powell addressed the Historical Security Council of 2003 (HSC). Secretary Powell shared his allegations with the body about potential weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and chemical weapons within Iraq. 

After two rounds of voting to bring Secretary Powell in, he was given a lukewarm reception after his opening speech. The IPD was fortunate enough to catch up afterwards and have a brief interview with Secretary Powell.

Secretary Powell, on the topic of this reaction, shared feelings of disappointed. Additionally, he said that he felt the need for 2 votes to bring him into the room felt disingenuous and as if it was not diplomatically courteous. Secretary Powell then said, “[He] hopes that the body will take the information provided and take whatever action they see fit. Whatever that action is should be decisive and not let this matter recede.” 

Secretary Powell said that, “Needless suffering is avoidable by joining to make sure the Chemical Weapons Program is shut down, and I invite all countries that have interest in preventing the conflict to join [the US] in this matter.” 

Finally, Secretary Powell said in closing, “I sincerely urge that the Security Council will take decisive action on this matter.”

_{The views and opinions expressed in this article were part of a simulation of the United Nations held from 18 to 21 November 2023 and do not reflect the views and opinions of the American Model United Nations Conference, American Model United Nations International, LLC., Colin Powell, *Ethan Lehman-Pace, Oakland University or the governing bodies of the states mentioned in the article.}