DATE=12/16/98 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-243040 TITLE=IRAQ / U-N EVACUATION BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB DATELINE=CAIRO CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: REPORTS FROM IRAQ SAY UNITED NATIONS STAFF MEMBERS ARE PREPARING TO EVACUATE THE COUNTRY. THE DEVELOPMENT FOLLOWS A REPORT BY CHIEF U-N WEAPONS INSPECTOR RICHARD BUTLER (EDS: TUESDAY) SAYING THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT HAS NOT BEEN COOPERATING FULLY WITH THE INSPECTIONS PROGRAM. SCOTT BOBB REPORTS TEXT: WITNESSES IN BAGHDAD SAY U-N STAFF MEMBERS WERE PACKING THEIR BAGS WEDNESDAY AND PREPARING TO LEAVE IRAQ FOR BAHRAIN. THEY REPORT SEEING SUITCASES AND BOXES BEING LOADED INTO U-N VEHICLES AT THE MAIN HEADQUARTERS IN THE IRAQI CAPITAL. CHIEF WEAPONS INSPECTOR RICHARD BUTLER TUESDAY ISSUED A REPORT SAYING THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED TO FULLY COOPERATE WITH U-N WEAPONS INSPECTORS. MR. BUTLER SAID ON SOME OCCASIONS, IRAQI OFFICIALS HAD HINDERED THE INSPECTORS, WHOSE MISSION IS TO OVERSEE THE ELIMINATION OF IRAQ'S WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. THE U-S GOVERNMENT HAS SAID IT COULD LAUNCH AIR STRIKES AGAINST IRAQ IF IT FAILED TO COOPERATE FULLY. MILITARY STRIKES WERE ONLY NARROWLY AVERTED IN NOVEMBER, AFTER IRAQ AGREED TO RESUME COOPERATION FOLLOWING A STANDOFF OF SEVERAL MONTHS. (SIGNED) NEB / SB / CB / WD 16-Dec-98 3:26 AM EST (0826 UTC) NNNN Source: Voice of America .
